Dismissed ex-president's bodyguard cries foul

One of 30 dismissed bodyguards of former state officials has described government’s action as unfair.

The former state appointee, Elvis Afriyie who guarded former President Kufuor said he is yet to come to terms with the reasons for which national security would issue a directive dismissing bodyguards of ex-government functionaries, including him.

The bodyguards served former President Kufuor, his Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, the former Speaker of Parliament Begyina Sekyi Hughes and other state officials.

They were appointed in 2001 when the NPP came to power without prior working experience with the police or military.

It is unclear how bodyguards for President Mills and his vice were also hired. Although their Aide de Camps are from the police and military, the bodyguards worked with them during the campaign for president.

But the dismissed officers are still asking questions: why their appointments would abruptly be terminated just when there is a new government.

“I was assigned to protect the former president in the name of the state, not for the NPP government or NDC government,” disappointed Elvis told Joy News.

“I work for the state to protect the president so I don’t see why my appointment should be terminated,” he said.