Information reaching The Chronicle indicates that former President Rawlings, last Monday, met with security experts who were in charge of the various security agencies during his tenure as President of Ghana, and discussed how best they can also contribute in solving the worsening security situation in the country, especially in the north.
The Chronicle gathered that the meeting took place at the Ridge residence of the former President and was at the request of the ex-Security heads, who probably wanted to tap into the vast knowledge of the former President on security matters in the country.
This reporter learnt that though the former President made sporadic comments on the way forward, and generally left the major decisions in the hands of the experts at the meeting.
The meeting was attended by former Chief of Defence Staff, Brig. General Nunoo-Mensah, General Arnold Quainoo, Mr. C.K Dewornu, former Inspector General of Police, F.Y Mensah, then in Charge of Southern Command, Mr. James Victor Gbeho, former Ambassador, General Bruce Konuah, Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, former Minister of Defence, Vice Admiral Owusu Ansah, former Head of Immigration and Commissioner for Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and General W.K Abuah.
According to our sources the security experts expressed dismay over the level of security in the country and have resolved to put out a non-partisan statement. They also intend to solicit for views from the general public and to bring their experiences to support that of the current officers in charge of the various security agencies. in the supreme interest of the nation.
The ex-Security officers noted that pre-election violence could be a recipe for chaos in the general elections, hence their determination to make sure that the elections were conducted in a free, fair and peaceful manner.
"We have only one country which is Ghana, and we need to complement the efforts of the current serving officers in a non-partisan manner, to help avert the looming security matters,"one of the ex-Security heads reportedly said at the meeting.
The former President, who reportedly expressed concern about the current security situation, is said to be under intense pressure from some prominent chiefs, opinion leaders, some members of political parties, including the ruling party, to avail his technical know-how in the interest of the country.
Sources close to the meeting hinted the Chronicle that though the meeting was held in the residence of the former President, it was not with any ulterior motive, as they are very cautious of what some opponents of the former President would say about the meeting.
Flt. Lt. Rawlings, who is expected to move to the Volta Region as part of the campaign tour for the NDC, is reported to have advised the former top military and intelligence officers to liase with the currently serving officers to find means of solving the rising tension.
According to our information, the former President believes that the nation must be allowed to enjoy its peace and tranquillity, and that the 2008 general elections must not open a Pandora box for unnecessary conflicts.
He was also reported to have said that serving officers must learn to live up to their responsibilities and should not respect unlawful orders. The Chronicle is aware that a statement would soon be issued concerning the topics raised at the meeting.
The special assistant to the former President, Mr. Kofi Adams, when contacted confirmed that a meeting of that sort took place
