Veep advises newspaper to retract story

Accra, May 29, GNA - The Armed Forces Council on Thursday advised the Editor-in-Chief of the ENQUIRER to retract the story with the banner headline on the 28th May, 2008 edition which discredits Lt-Gen J.B. Danquah, Chief of Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces.

The Council also called on the Editor-in-Chief to apologise to Lt-Gen Danquah in person and as Chief of the Defence Staff.

A statement, signed by the Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, Chairman of the Armed Forces Council said; "it is important for the media to be circumspect and thoughtful in all publications and avoid mudslinging at individuals who have been mandated to ensure and hold steadfast the security, safety and territorial integrity of the State, especially during this election year."

It said: "the publication subjects Lt-Gen Danquah to public ridicule, undermines his authority and competence for the appointment he holds.

"The Council views the publication as a malicious attempt to run down the Chief of the Defence Staff and thereby create the conditions for the Armed Forces Command to be undermined and subjects the whole military to unwarranted embarrassment."

The Council strongly condemns the publication and stated that it considers the paper's approach unacceptable, unethical, unprofessional and amoral and it has no regard for national security interest.