The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has reacted for the first time to violent attacks in the Volta Region allegedly being perpetrated by ‘Western Togoland’ separatists, assuring that he has trust in the security and intelligence agencies to deal with the matter and restore normalcy.
Reacting to the matter yesterday(30th September, 2020) in Kumasi on Hello FM, the President said he was confident that the security agencies will bring an end to the issue expeditiously given that they are just a handful of people engaged in the unfortunate disturbances.
“…We will deal with them. I have no doubt about it. But there is no value for this country if I start making hysterical statements[ about it]. I trust the security agencies: the armed forces, the police… I trust their leadership and intelligence agencies. And I know they are all working very hard to make sure that this matter is dealt with as quickly as possible…,” he assured.
The President’s had been called upon by security experts and citizens alike to speak to the disturbances so as to give some assurances to citizens on the matter.
Background
On Friday 25th September, 2020 some persons, suspected to be secessionists, attacked police stations, seizing vehicles, weapons and ammunition. They also blocked roads, and exchanged gunfire with law enforcement officers before the situation was brought under control.
Some 31 persons were arrested after the accident and are currently facing prosecution.
But Last Tuesday, they allegedly struck again.They attacked the STC Bus Terminal in Ho, set a bus alight and beat up the drivers.
The disturbances have become a major cause of concern for Ghanaians, some of whom are blaming the security agencies for failing to foil the disturbances, and only reacting only after the secessionists have caused havoc and bolted.
But the security agencies have defended their handling of the matter, stressing that actionable intelligence ensured that worse attacks were averted. Government, led by the Information Minister, has also been defending their response to activities of the secessionists, insisting that the security agencies are on top of the issue.
