MP denies that accident was a plot to kill Selassie

The MP whose vehicle was involved in an accident with a motorcycle that was being ridden by Selassie O'Sullivan Djentuh, a former boyfriend of Ezanetor Rawlings, the first daughter of the first family, has denied that it was a plot to kill him. Mr Dominic Azumah, MP for Garu-Tempane, said he was disturbed that what was a simple accident had now assumed political dimensions.

Mr Djentuh has applied for political asylum in the United Kingdom citing among other reasons, an alleged plot to kill him through the accident.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, Mr Azumah said "Djentuh was arraigned before court and, on his own plea of guilty, was sentenced to a fine of 100,000 cedis."

Giving details about the case, Mr Azumah said Mr Djentuh ran into his pick-up near Sakomono, Tema, on November 5, 1999 while riding a high-powered motorcycle.

The MP said the left side of the vehicle, with registration number GR 3413 N, was dented through the accident. Mr Azumah said on that day, Mr John Gyasi, a colleague MP, asked for the pick-up to pick a mattress.

He said when Mr Gyasi was negotiating the curve to enter the flats at Sakumono Estates at about 0800 hours, a motorcycle rider, who turned out to be Mr Djentuh, overtook four vehicles and ran into the rear of the vehicle, with the rider ending up in its bucket. "At that time, Mr David Amankwaah, MP for Asutifi North, who was in the traffic together with the Librarian for Parliament, Mr Brown, saw the accident."

He said Mr Brown rushed the injured Djentuh to the Christian Medical Centre at Nungua in a taxi. Mr Azumah said although he went through the necessary police and medical procedures, he realised that no response was forthcoming.

He then inquired from the Sakomono Police why they were taking a long time to conclude their investigations. "That was then that we learnt that Selassie's mother had told the Police that the motorcycle involved in the accident belonged to the President and that Selassie had been sent on an 'urgent mission' by the President." He said the police, therefore, felt that the matter could be resolved as a 'family affair'". Mr Azumah said the matter was reported to the Leader of Parliament, Dr Kwabena Adjei who in turn informed the President through Nana Ato Dadzie, acting Chief of Staff. He said he was invited to the Castle by Nana Dadzie and told that neither did the President own the said motorcycle nor had he sent Selassie on any assignment or mission.