I don’t need security – Ayariga

Despite a resolve by the Ghana Police Service to provide security for flagbearers and their running mates ahead of the 2016 elections, Hassan Ayariga has declined the offer.

The founder and potential flagbearer of the All People’s Congress (APC) says the country is so peaceful that there is no need to provide security for political leaders.

Ironically, Mr Ayariga is said to have been the only presidential candidate to have maintained his security months after the 2012 elections.

“I believe in Ghana and I think Ghana is a peaceful country and I am preaching peace and I don’t need police security,” he said on Thursday, April 28 when his party – the 25th political party of Ghana – showcased its final certificate of operation to the media.

Mr Ayariga said protection should rather be given the entire populace.

He, however, condemned political vigilante groups, asking the police to disband all.

"Some call themselves 'Bull dogs' or what. Some call themselves 'Bolga dogs'...Azorka dogs. How can human beings become dogs?"

On whether his party met the Electoral Commission's requirements before being granted its certificate, Mr Ayariga said that question smacks of incompetence on the part of state agencies particularly the Ghana Police Service.

“If the police say they don’t know where our offices are, then they are not ruling,” he stated, “because we have painted offices all over.”

He added: “We have documents that we have outlined every location. So if you go to the EC and you are looking for APC offices, they will give you a whole booklet of district offices.”

The party is scheduled to elect national officers and possibly a flagbearer at its maiden congress on Saturday, May 28.