'I shielded Sam George in hail of bullets; was ready to die for him' – Double

National Security operative, Ernest Bright Akomea, popularly known as ‘Double’ has told the Emile Short-led Commission of Inquiry that he and another person shielded Ningo Prampram MP Samuel Nartey George in the gun violence that erupted at La-Bawalashie during the Thursday, 31 January 2019 Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election.

According to him, he and the lawmaker were trapped in the middle of the melee as gun-wielding civilians on one side, exchanged fire with National Security operatives on the opposite side – an incident which occurred around the private residence of the main opposition National Democratic Congress’ parliamentary candidate, Mr Kwesi Delali Brempong.

‘Double’ said he and Mr Sam George would have been hit by the hail of bullets that flew from either side of the battle line if the shooters had really aimed at their adversaries on either side.

Double said he and Mr Sam George took refuge behind a short wall in the melee as the bullets rained.

“Sam George and I would have been hit if they were aiming at their adversaries”, Mr Akomea told the Commission on Tuesday, 5 March 2019.

He, however, noted that: “I was hit by a stone on my shoulder”, adding that: “I and another person shielded Mr Sam George”, explaining: “Because he is an MP, we were trying to protect him”.

When asked by former IGP Patrick Acheampong if Mr Sam George must be grateful to him (Double) for not only helping him at the Airport but also using himself as a shield to protect the lawmaker at the risk of losing his own life, Mr Akomea smiled and answered: “Yes sir”.