John Mahama: Gov't must save Kankam's life

The Minority Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Mr John Dramani Mahama, has called on the government to act swiftly to save the life of Kwabena Kankam, currently on death row in Libya.

Kankam, a Ghanaian, also known in Libya as Mahmood Mustapha Abubakar is facing a death sentence having been convicted of the murder of another Ghanaian national, Isaac Oppong in Libya.

But according to Libyan Sharia law, the family of the late Oppong could reprieve the sentence and spare his life.

Mr John Mahama who is also the Member of Parliament for Bole Bamboi therefore suggested to the government to as a matter of urgency identify the family of Oppong who is said to hail from Esereso, Dormaa Ahenkro in the Brong Ahafo Region to discuss the matter.

Once that is done an arrangement can be made to get the family to Libya to sign a testament in the court on granting clemency to Kankam.

He told Joy News' Araba Koomson that it is important for Kankam to be flown to Ghana as soon as he is released.

Kwabena Kankam is one of five Ghanaian nationals sentenced to death in that country for murder.

Four have so far been executed leading to sharp criticisms from sections of the public who say the government did not do enough to save the lives of citizens.

But the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Akwasi Osei Adjei explained that several interventions had been made by the government leading to a stay of the executions on a number of occasions.

Responding to the Minister's explanations, Mr Mahama said the criticisms could have been unfair.