Violence@People's Assembly: Govt protests alleged intimidation

Accra, Jan. 16, GNA - The Government on Tuesday said it strongly protests the allegation of violence against a contributor during the Jubilee People's Assembly held in Sunyani earlier in the day. A statement signed by Mrs Oboshie Sai-Kofie, deputy Minister of Information and National Orientation, said if found to be true, government will spare no effort in identifying the perpetrator or perpetrators and bringing them to book.

The alleged harassment reportedly occurred outside the venue of the Assembly, soon after the alleged victim made his contribution. "Government finds the allegation most unfortunate, and if found to be true, would like to re-emphasize that the very idea of the innovative People's Assembly, is to ensure a consistent deepening and strengthening of our democracy," the statement said, adding that one of the core values to be defended and sustained is that of freedom of speech.

It said President John Agyekum Kufuor and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Kwamena Bartels spoke at length during the event, about the need for tolerance, even when views and opinions differed.