Gov't Spokesman is insincere -- NDC

The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has branded the apology rendered by the government’s spokesperson to Mrs. Ernestina Naadu Mills, wife of former vice PresidentProf. John Atta Mills following the invasion of their residence by operatives of the security agencies, as not sincere.

While welcoming the apology, the NDC condemned Mr. Kwabena Adjapong’s attempt to blame the invasion of the former vice president’s residence on some security elements with links to the NDC and the ACDR. "We consider such pronouncements as irresponsible and unacceptable," the NDC says in a statement issued in Accra.

"It equally demonstrates the lack of sincerity of the government, on whose behalf Mr. Adjapong is purported to render the apology," it adds. Security agencies on the Ist of February invaded the residence of Professor Mills and seized four cars reportedly given to him as part of his end of service benefits (ESB) for what they described as the continuing use of security operational registration numbers limited to the use of operatives.

The Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) quickly released the cars, a Toyota Land Cruiser, two Toyota Corollas and one Ford Condor, to Professor Mills' family. The NDC accused the government of a cover up and pledged its determination to press for a transparent inquiry into the issue "to expose once and for all the deceit and calumny that has characterized the conduct of the government in its dealings with the NDC and the people of Ghana."

To the NDC, the suspension of security operatives who took part in the operation at the former vice president’s residence is a mere exercise to find scapegoats and blame them for carrying out orders from their superiors.

Operations of the security agencies, especially the BNI have come under public scrutiny on a number of occasions since the assumption of power by the NPP government with matters coming to the head in June last year when a contingent of police officers stormed the residence of former President Rawlings after his controversial June 4 speech.

Analysts say the invasion of Professor Mills’ residence is a major embarrassment for government and therefore calls for an immediate inquiry.