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General News of Thursday, 17 February 2005

Source: GNA

Togo political crisis a threat to Ghana

Tema, Feb. 17, GNA - Dr Emmanuel Aning of the Africa Security Dialogue and Research, has stated that the impact of Togo's political crisis on Ghana and the entire West African sub-region could be massive if the situation remains unsolved.

He said the strong ethnic ties between the country and Togo would not make Ghana an impartial mediator in any possible conflict. "In addition the likely wave of refugees into neighbouring countries will have socio-economic and security impact."

Dr Aning was delivering a lecture organised by the Tema Chapter of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology on The International Dimensions of the Togo Crisis and Its Implications on Ghana and the West Africa Sub-Region.

He said the installation of Faure Eyadema, as Head of State by the Togolese Armed Forces, following the death of his father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, was unconstitutional.

Dr Aning said it contravened certain regulations under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

He hailed attempts by the sub-regional body to impose sanctions on the country in fulfilment of the protocol on good governance and democracy as the best options to address the issue. Participants at the lecture expressed concern about the participation of Ghana's Ambassador to Togo during the installation of the late President's son " as unfortunate".