Gov't explains why Rawlings was questioned

The Ghanaian Government on Sunday stated that it is determined to respect the Constitution and would never interfere with the work of the security agencies.

It also assured the public that it would not interfere with the work of the security when it decided to take action against any individual or individuals whose objectives may be to destabilise the country or create tension with the aim of frightening away foreign investors or to create a sense of economic instability that could pave the way for the overthrow of the constitution.

In a released issued in Accra, Information and Presidential Affairs Minister, Jake O. Obetsebi- Lamptey, explaining why the security agencies quizzed Former President Jerry John Rawlings, former Head of State, he said it was in line with Article 3 of the Constitution of the republic.

Mr. Obestebi- Lamptey said the security agencies had to invite and question Ex-President Rawlings on the implications of his recent statements made at a rally in Kumasi and Ho.

The statement said the constitution declared, "That any person who either by himself or in concert with others, attempted by any violent or unlawful means to suspend or overthrow or abrogate the Constitution, commits an offence of high treason for which the sentence upon conviction is death."

The government statement said it is thus within the power of the security agencies to inquire into the event before, during and after the statements made by the former president. "The security agencies therefore invited and questioned the former president on certain matters that had come to their notice."

He cited instances where Former President Rawlings was questioned as to whether his taking delivery of four Toyota Land Cruiser from Antwerp recently had anything to do with his alleged intention.

Mr. Obestebi-Lamptey said the security agencies noted that the former President paid an amount of over ?500 million in customs duties for the vehicles, which cost a total of $1336,200 and were all registered in his name.

The statement said the former President indicated during questioning that friends whom he refuse to identify had made the purchases and expenditure for him adding that "The former President stated that his head would have to be cut off before he would divulge the information requested from him."

The conclusion of the questioning, the security agencies have submitted a report to the Attorney -General's office for further consideration. The government, the statement said appreciated the concerns of the public and the international community adding that "All persons in Ghana irrespective of their present or past status should respect our constitution."

It concluded that the former President's attention was drawn to the relevant provisions of the Constitution, which formed the basis of the invitation to him.