Former President Jerry John Rawlings thinks that the presence of the military and other security agencies in some parts of the Volta and Oti Regions is generating animosity especially amongst border dwellers whose livelihood solely depend on activities along the border.

According to him, the Covid-19 restrictions have already created enough difficulties for “most of our citizens” and that such difficulties should not be compounded.

A statement issued by Kobina Andoh Amoakwa of the Communications Directorate of the former President;s office said “Let us not make it worse with overbearing and intimidating behaviour towards our border dwellers whose livelihood solely depend on activities along the border.”

Mr Rawlings said “Ahead of the voter registration exercise and the December elections, it is important that we demonstrate a sense of fairness and justice to all individuals and groups of people whilst maintaining the integrity and the sanctity of the process.”

Former President Rawlings’ statement followed complaints by many residents of border towns in the Volta and Oti Regions over the deployment of some security personnel, particularly military personnel in the area.

Below is the statement

STATEMENT BY FORMER PRESIDENT RAWLINGS ON DEPLOYMENT OF SECURITY AGENCIES IN VOLTA, OTI REGIONS

The presence of the military and other security agencies in some parts of the Volta and Oti Regions is generating animosity especially amongst innocent citizens whose basic way of life is being disrupted.

The deployment along the borders at peacetime especially at this particular point in time has created so much suspicion and will call for a lot of intelligent flexibility and diligence.

The Covid-19 restrictions have created enough difficulties for most of our citizens. Let us not make it worse with overbearing and intimidating behaviour towards our border dwellers whose livelihood solely depend on activities along the border.

Ahead of the voter registration exercise and the December elections, it is important that we demonstrate a sense of fairness and justice to all individuals and groups of people whilst maintaining the integrity and the sanctity of the process.

Issued By:

Kobina Andoh Amoakwa
(Communications Directorate)