Ghana, Libyan security clash

Accra - Attempts by the security personnel who accompanied the Libyan leader, Col. Muammar Al Quaddafi, to shove their Ghanaian counterparts aside and direct security affairs at the El-Wak stadium last Saturday were met with stiff opposition from the Ghanaians, leading to serious clashes and confrontations.

The last time Col. Quaddafi visited Ghana, his large contingent of security men and women, took over security arrangements in the city of Accra, directing human and vehicular movements.

This time, it appeared Ghanaian security did not want to be similarly humiliated leading to anxious moments which resulted in clashes. On one occasion a soldier attached to the Castle, Warrant Officer Adotey Quarshie, physically assaulted a number of Libyan soldiers who had cordoned the presidential dais, thus preventing Ghanaians from nearing the dais.

Signs of the confrontation started as early as 9am when the Libyan soldiers prevented placard- bearing members of the Patriots Club, one of the NDC affiliated organs, from entering the west wing of the EI-Wak stadium.

But for the timely intervention of a senior military officer, the encounter would have been very embarrassing to the few dignitaries who were present. Minutes later, the Libyan soldiers rushed to the VIP stand to protest against the presence of members of the Verandah Boys and Girls Club who had gathered to cheer both leaders.

Ghanaian security personnel present openly protested against the behaviour of the Libyan soldiers but eventually yielded to their demand.

The confrontation between security personnel of both countries took another embarrassing turn when Libyan security vehicles were not allowed to enter the VIP arena.

Not satisfied with the decision of their Ghanaian counterparts, the Libyans persisted in their attempt to get some of their vehicles to the VIP arena (as the security gate to the area was blocked) thus causing both sides to exchange harsh words with the Libyans seen throwing their arms in anger.

The situation prompted the intervention of DSP Kofi Boakye, commander of the Striking Force, who had to explain security procedures arranged for the programme to the Libyans.

Even the official vehicle carrying the Libyan leader's water and wine had to be stopped at the VIP security entrance for some time until the Libyan authorities pleaded with DSP Boakye, who later instructed his colleagues to allow the vehicle into the VIP arena.

Colonel Quaddafi was in the country for a 2-day visit en route to Lome, Togo, to attend the OAU Heads of State meeting.

No representative of any of the opposition parties was present though the NDC was heavily represented. They include Dr. Obed Asamoah, The Minister of Justice, who is largely tipped to be the running mate of Prof. Atta Mills, Mr. Victor Gbeho, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Madam Faustina Nelson, Vice Chairperson of the NDC, Dr. Mrs. Mary Grant, member of Council of State, who was spotted characteristically dancing enthusiastically to the music of Jewel Ackah, Sheikh Sharubutu, National Chief Imam and some members of the diplomatic corps.

In his speech delivered in Arabic, Colonel Muammar AI-Quaddafi lashed at African leaders for allowing foreign industries to exploit the continent's resources to the benefit of western countries.

He regretted that in spite of the continent's vast resources, Africa is still lagging in development, a situation he blamed on the lack of African unity.

He reiterated the fact that Western countries plotted the overthrow of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Patrice Lumumba and other eminent African leaders who worked towards uniting the continent.

Continuing, he regretted that the same western countries that plotted against Africa's unity are now united with the aim of enhancing their own standards of living.

The Libyan leader, who devoted most of his speech to criticising colonialism and its effect on Africa, said in spite of being liberated politically, blacks in South Africa are economically enslaved by the whites who control the country's economic activities.

He warned that Africa would continue to lag behind in development unless we unite as a nation with one vision, saying the issue of African unity will dominate the OAU heads of state summit in Togo.

President Rawlings later decorated the Libyan leader with the state honour of the Companion of the Order of the Star of Ghana, the highest award of the land.

President Rawlings in his address emphasised the need to form a united African state.

He said "I have always had a dream that Africans could move from one country to another in the continent" without difficulty admitting however that this would not be achieved on a silver platter.