IGP invites Mahama on AK-47 allegation

The Inspector-General of Police, Nana Owusu Nsiah, on Wednesday invited the leader of the People's National Convention (PNC) over an alleged statement he made that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had armed its agents with AK-47 rifles to cause mayhem, during Tuesday's bye-election in Navrongo Central.

A statement signed by ASP David Eklu of the Police Public Relations Department said the invitation was to enable the IGP take appropriate action. It said Dr Mahama denied ever making such a statement saying it was one of his supporters who telephoned him from Navrongo that an NPP supporter had indicated that if they did not win the bye-election, he would use an AK-47 rifle to cause mayhem.

According to the statement, Dr Mahama said he advised the caller to report the threat to the police and expressed surprise about the publication. Dr Mahama assured the police that he would always preach peace and impress upon his supporters to remain calm even in the event of losing an election.

The statement said the IGP urged politicians and the media to ensure that their pronouncements do not disturb the peace in the country. "Statements from politicians and the media wield enormous influence on their audiences hence the need for greater circumspection in order to avoid any rash actions by the public," Nana Nsiah said. The police said nobody has reported the alleged threat to the Bolgatanga police