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Security Chief not under house arrest
Accra, Jan. 16, Ghanadot/GNA –
The Office of the President on Wednesday stated that former
National Security Minister, Francis Poku was not under house
arrest as being speculated in a section of the media.
A number of armed security personnel this morning were seen
at Mr Poku's residence, but the mission of the security
detail was unclear at the time.
A statement signed by Mrs. Oboshie Sai-Cofie, Minister of
Information and National Orientation said the police detail
that went to Mr. Poku’s residence were to replace his former
security detail that consisted of military personnel.
It described the exercise as a norm with all ministers, and
“Mr. Francis Poku as a security professional himself is very
aware of these routine procedures”.
It said as the routine was, the National Security Council,
in conformity with world-wide practice, initiated a process
of “debriefing and completing a handing-over procedure”.
The statement said, “surprisingly the detail met some press
men at the premises who apparently misunderstood their
presence and carried the news in an exaggerated fashion,
calling the incident a ‘house arrest.’
The statement said, “This statement is to confirm that Mr.
Francis Poku is NOT and has not been under house arrest, and
that the events of this morning have been the routine
workings of the National Security.”
“Government assures the entire nation that the ongoing
events are the in the best interest of the country”, it
said.
Mr. Poku had earlier expressed misgivings over the incident,
describing it as “unfortunate and uncalled for”.
"I have nothing to hide and I am collaborating with the
authorities to ensure a smooth handing over. I would soon
hand over my notes", he told some newsmen at his residence
in Accra.
"But my misgivings about this whole episode is the
implication it holds for our national security, the numerous
speculations being peddled around and especially as the
country prepares to host the CAN 2008 and the impending
elections", he said.
Many sympathizers, among them notable political figures and
opinion leaders, trooped to Mr. Poku’s residence to
ascertain whether he was really under house arrest as
reported in the media.
GNA
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