Rawlings' Bodyguards Replacement Attributed To Fear

The issue of the replacement of the bodyguards of former President Rawlings continues to generate debate. The current government withdrew military aides and bodyguards of the former president and replaced them with police personnel. The Rawlings’ expressed their happiness at the decision and therefore refused the policemen entry into their Ridge residence.

The policemen were therefore reported to be performing their guard duties outside the house. A former Commander of UN Interim Forces in Lebanon, General Emmanuel Erskine says the Kufuor administration took the decision out of fear.

Speaking on BBC’s Talk About Africa programme, General Erskine said government could have allowed the military personnel to stay on to guard the former President adding that it is always better to be guarded by familiar people instead of unfamiliar people. He however expressed regret that the Rawlings administration did not ensure that retired like him enjoyed their retirement benefits, which they have been denied.