Rawlings wants Anlo deaths investigated

Former President Jerry John Rawlings has again called for
thorough investigations into events that led to the death of five people during the attempted installation of Mr Francis Nyonyo Agboada, a businessman, as Awomefia of Anlo last November.

He said lasting peace could only return to the area when the whole truth was unearthed.

Former President Rawlings was speaking at the funeral on Saturday at Anloga of Israel Ahadzi, 28, Menco Tugba 47, Israel Amenume, 50 and Mama Senyo, 48, who died during the disturbances.

Moses Daba, a policeman who also died, has already been buried.

The ex-President said Anlos of today reflected the same qualities that motivated their forbears to disengage themselves from the tyrannical rule of Togbi Agorkoli at Notsie and migrated to their present location.

He said it was therefore in nobody's interest to sweep under the carpet events that led to the unfortunate occurrences at Anloga.

Former President Rawlings said the government should not renege on its constitutional responsibilities to the people and must work to unravel the truth for justice to prevail.

Turning to the December general elections, the ex-President urged the people to vote massively for the National Democratic Congress.

Mr Kofi Humado, Member of Parliament for Anlo, said the four died trying to ensure the inviolability of the Anlo chieftaincy institution.

He said there was the urgent need for the people to put the past behind them to speed up development in the area.

Mr Kofi Ahiabor, Keta District Chief Executive, said the unfortunate situation could have been avoided if the sides to the dispute had been a little more tactful and diplomatic in asserting their positions.

Nana Oye Lithur, a human rights activist, urged the people to be resolute in fighting for their rights and they should use the funeral to heal old wounds.

There was heavy police presence at the funeral that was characterized by firing of musketry, drumming and singing of dirges.