Resigned Minister Explains Stay In Office

Mr Prince Imoro Andani, former Northern Regional Minister said on Wednesday that his resignation was neither to acknowledge responsibility for the 27 March incident at Yendi, nor to admit guilt of wild allegations and charges by certain parties to the incident.

He said it was rather "a move out of the saddle as Regional Minister to give the security agencies and government the necessary free hand to conduct thorough investigations into the matter and unearth the truth without giving those who seek to exploit the tragedy for their parochial interests the opportunity to do so."

In a statement signed by him and routed through the Ministry of Information and Presidential Affairs, Mr Andani said after his resignation and its acceptance by the President, he decided to place himself at the service of the region and to assist in efforts to ensure a speedy return of Dagbon to normalcy, "more especially since I continue to occupy the Residency."

This, the former minister said he had been doing without jeopardising or compromising investigations being carried out by professionals acknowledged in the field. "I have vacated my office and it is my intention to withdraw completely from the Residency as soon as practically possible."

He said he was ready, however, to assist in efforts to bring sustainable peace to Dagbon and the Northern Region. Mr Andani expressed his thanks to the President for the opportunity to serve his people and country.