Diplomatic Community unhappy with National Security

The diplomatic community in Ghana according to our sniffers, has expressed the fears of its members about the continuing deteriorating security situation in the country. Theses fears were expressed by a delegation of the diplomatic community at a meeting with President Kufuor held recently.

The meeting, according to the “sniffres”, took place in Accra at the instance of the resident diplomats. It was not publicised because the Kufuor government felt embarrassed by what the diplomats had to say. They sought assurances that members of the community were safe to go about their lawful business in Ghana. The diplomats also warned that unless the NPP Government improved the security situation, investors would hesitate in coming to Ghana.

The Minister of Interior, Alhaji Malik Yakubu, who was summoned to the meeting to hear the complaints of the diplomats, was said to have enumerated a number of factors, which hamper the NPP Government in its efforts to improve the security situation. He gave a long shopping list of items and equipment required to bring the security situation to an acceptable level.

Members of Parliament, after observing the security arrangement of the House, last Tuesday, expressed concern about the inadequate security arrangements and wondered why even the main gates were normally closed to members.

The Speaker, Mr Peter Ala Adjetey in an immediate reaction to the members’ concern asked the leadership of the House to constitute a five-member committee to come out with suitable security arrangements for the House and its environs.

In another development, Alhaji Malik Yakubu, Minister of Interior, told the South African High Commissioner to Ghana during a courtesy call on him that security was one of the main concerns of the NPP government but stopped short of addressing the concerns of the High Commissioner, which is the government’s complacent attitude to security in the country.

Meanwhile, all attempts to get the Minister’s confirmation on the matter, since Monday, proved futile. He was on all occasions, said to be busy, presiding over security meetings. When the Palaver asked for an appointment with the Minister, his secretary asked the paper to do so with the security men at the entrance of the ministry.