Police deny that Kufuor's bodyguard has been shot and killed

The Police Administration on Monday denied a story circulating on the Internet that President John Kufuor's bodyguard has been shot and killed.

In a statement issued in Accra by Mr W.K Aboah, Commissioner of Police (CID), the police said effective security measures have been put in place for the safety of the President.

"The public is being assured that the Police are conducting investigations, with the assistance of Interpol, to trace the source of the false information," it said. The story, which was quoted in full by the Police, said there is "more to come as this coup d'etat story unfolds."

The story reads: "A gunman who barricaded himself at the State House after a shooting incident in which President John Agyekum Kufuor's bodyguard was killed and another wounded, surrendered without incident early today after a stand-off of more than six hours.

"The Inspector-general of Police, Mr Owusu-Poku, said Salifu Budumbra, 28, was killed and Daniel Agyeman, 38, was critically wounded. "'Both bodyguards were shot multiple times," he said. "'One of his wounds was in the private area (penis).

Both were wearing 20 year-old bulletproof vests. Daniel Agyeman was in critical but stable condition after surgery at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

Cpl. Adjetey of 5th Battalion, 30, surrendered without incident after police got his attention with a bullhorn."