Former Interior Minister Blamed For Killings In Anloga

Mr. Francis Nyonyo Agboada, a prominent citizen of the Anlo Traditional Area, has accused Mr. Kwamena Bartels, the former Minister of the Interior, of creating the chaotic and the disorderly situation at Anloga in the Volta Region, which led to the death of some people.

According to him, what was happening within the corridors of Anlo township, was an eyesore, and must be condemned.


"The people of Anlo are peace-loving, and I don't see the reason why some group of people should be murdering people consistently, with the security agencies looking on unconcerned. I am prepared to prove that the whole chaotic situation was created by Mr. Kwamena Bartels," he alleged, adding that the troubles leading to the abortive celebration of Hogbetsotso festival last November, could be attributed to the former Minister.


Speaking at a press conference in Accra, Mr. Agboada said he was alarmed at ongoing developments in the Anlo township, and said the ex-minister woefully failed to provide adequate security to prevent these dastardly actions, and prevail upon the security agencies to be up and doing.


To avert what he called a looming situation, before some people took the law into their own hands to defend themselves, he pointed out that all efforts must be made to arrest the perpetrators of such heinous crimes, to avoid the creation of a Dagbon-like situation in Anlo.


"What I am saying is that the consistent murder of people at Anlo, with the regional Minister who is in charge of the security, to say that some crimes were local, while others are national, is breeding a chaotic situation at Anlo. If this is allowed to continue, the people cannot stand the test. We should not play with the peace of the people," he said.

Nyonyo Agboada, who reiterated that he was not interested in ascending the Awoamezi throne, not because he was not qualified, said "If the law enforcement agencies are not seen to be in charge of affairs, what would happen in the upcoming general elections, would not be well for us as a nation."


He maintained that, "My worry now is that my people should live in peace. I see no reason why people should be killing, and it will continue unabated, without people being arrested and prosecuted for their wrongdoings. Why should injustice be perpetrated within the country?" he asked.


Francis Nyonyo Agboada, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Fraga Oil, an oil marketing company, appealed to President Kufuor to set up an independent inquiry into the murder of the five people, who died last year, and provide adequate security for the people of the Anlo township.


We do not want our people to take the law into their own hands. We actually do not see the crime that the Royal Adzovia clan had committed to merit this act. It is our bequeathed legacy, that one of us should ascend the throne. It is therefore amazing that some group of people would want to decide for us, and continue to create trouble for our people."


He contended that the mayhem going on in the Anlo area, clearly suggested that there were people who did not have the Anlo state at heart, but were only interested in gaining from the troubles that they would foment.