Independent MP defends Rawlings

An independent member of parliament in Ghana has dismissed as baseless some reports describing former president, Jerry Rawlings as a troublemaker. The MP, Victor Gheho - who served in Mr Rawlings' administration as minister of foreign affairs - was speaking after security forces carried out two raids on the ex-president's home in search of weapons.

Mr Gheho told the BBC that the action was either the result of gullible security officers acting on misinformation, or was part of a harassment campaign by the new government on members of the old regime.

The raids came several days after Mr Rawlings warned that the armed forces could turn against Mr Kufuor.

Correspondents say relations are growing increasingly sour between Mr Rawlings and President John Kufuor, who took office in January.