General News of Saturday, 10 May 2014

Source: GNA

Gov't should investigate contract killing claims - BIA

The Bureau for Internal Affairs (BIA), an anti-corruption organisation, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to, as a matter of urgency, investigate allegations that some government officials are aiding contract killers.

A statement issued by the organisation, which is also a centre for information gathering, said although the matter is in court, it is expedient for government to aid in the legal processes to exonerate itself from the bad press.

The statement issued by Cynthia Essandoh, BIA Coordinator and copied to Ghana News Agency on Friday, was reacting to allegations that some government officials are aiding some traditional authorities in the Greater Accra Region, in their illegal land guard activities, as well as contract killings.

“This is denting the image of the government and the nation,” the statement said.

It said contract killing is a serious criminal offence and must, therefore, not be taken for granted, and “government should aid the courts to pursue the case to its logical conclusion”.

“BIA also wishes to condemn the culture of impunity which is gaining grounds in Ghana. This trend, if not curtailed, will breed social unrest and cripple development.”

The statement said BIA would rally behind government to fight any group that rises to undermine the peace and security of the region, and the country as a whole.

BIA aims at bridging the communication gap between the public and the authorities on issues negatively affecting the nation.