Kan Dappah Slams Government

Albert Kan-Dapaah THE MP for Afigya-Sekyere West and former Defence Minister, Albert Kan-Dapaah, yesterday chastised the current administration for harassing security agencies professed to be supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

He has therefore warned that the NPP would resist any attempt by the ruling government if the harassment continues and security agencies are politicised.

Contributing to the debate on President John Mills' State of the Nation address on the floor of Parliament, the former Minister of Defence said the government is using the security services to present superfluous fear to businessmen in the country instead of protecting them.

Citing the recent arrest of the National Investment Bank (NIB) Boss, Daniel Gyimah, by the Bureau of National Investigation (BNI), Mr. Kan-Dapaah said the government must not abuse the role of the security agencies.

Consequently, he urged the government to stay out of the day-to- day activities of the security agencies.

The NIB boss was confined in BNI custody for five days even after executing the bail bond his lawyers had secured from the court. He is currently being tried for causing financial loss to the state to the tune of GH¢60,000.

He condemned the transfer of some military officials considered to be rivals of the ruling party and the suspension of the 400 army recruits, noting that there was no need for political intervention.

Earlier, Mr. Kan-Dapaah lauded the President for finding space in his address to touch on the Tano-Cape Three Points basin where recent discoveries of oil have been made in deep waters.

He said “it was important that we fast track the development so that within the matter of two years, we see oil flowing.”

He expressed the hope that the active discussion with oil companies would be continued to make Ghana a prolific oil producing country.

On the recent disturbances in Bakwu, the MP described it as unfortunate and called on both sides of the House to put their heads together to help bring lasting peace to the area.

Supporting the debate, the MP for Shama, Essilfie Gabriel Kodwo, expressed dismay that the NPP government which through some Ministers castigated Ghana's first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah and the NDC for borrowing money to construct the Akosombo dam, VRA, JOB 600, roads, rural electrification projects and development, was today telling Ghanaians that NPP borrowed money for good reasons.

Explaining, he said “the NPP borrowed money for the unnecessary and unwarranted Jubilee House, National Awards and Ghana at 50 celebrations.

 “Since when did they realize that borrowing is good for capital expenditure, he enquired adding that “what is good for the goose is good for the gander.”

In his contribution, the MP for Akropong, William Ofori Boafo agreed with the President's commitment to bring to closure the lingering issue of justice in the murder of the Ya Na and many elders, Issa Molbilla, and several women whose unsolved cases still remain a national mystery.

He was however quick to remind the President, to as matter of urgency, bring to justice the murder of the three high court judges who were murdered in cold blood and the people who were killed during the 'Kumipreko' demonstration.

The MP for Ahafo Ano South, Stephen Balado Manu said President Mills' three dimensional approach to fighting corruption would be a mirage if proper implementation of laws are not enforced.

According to him, NPP equally passed laws such as the Whistle Blowers Bill among others to fight corruption which the NDC in its political campaign said still remains a problem in the country.

He advised President Mills, stating, “if he is bent on fighting corruption, then the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Mumuni, whose case was pending before the court must be withdrawn.”

By Sheilla Sackey