Gov�t Reacts To US Embassy's Security Message To Its Citizens

Government has sought to assure the nation once again of adequate measures put in place to ensure the safety of all before, during and after the final verdict is pronounced on the election petition suit by the Supreme Court. Government's reassurance follows on the heels of a US Embassy statement issued on Monday warning its citizens resident in Ghana to take note of "potential increase in political tensions and the possibility of isolated violence associated with the anticipated August 29 announcement of the Ghanaian Supreme Court�s decision on the legal challenge to Ghana�s election results�. The statement titled: �Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Potential Reaction to the Supreme Court�s Election Decision�, also urged �U.S. citizens in Ghana" to maintain �a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security/safety awareness during this politically-sensitive period�. But speaking to JoyFM on the subject, Deputy Minister for Information and Media Relations, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said while the current administration respects the right of the US government to take precautionary measures to protect its citizens in Ghana, it �does not anticipate any violence after the Supreme Court verdict�. He further stated that the country�s security agencies are prepared to deal with individuals or groups who might plan any nefarious activity after the verdict. The Deputy Minister reiterated that the country is safe and will continue to be safe even after the 29 August judgement day. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for Interior, James Agalga, considers the US security message to its citizens as unnecessary and out of place since Ghana's security agencies are on high alert. Speaking to Citi News, he impliedly stated that the message could put fear in members of the business community and impact negatively on the economy. "Let Ghanaians go about their normal day-to-day business without fear�, he said. He however added that the security agencies are not downplaying the possibility of isolated violence over the verdict of the Supreme Court on the 29 August 2013. "As a country nobody can rule out the fact that some miscreants in the system will want to take advantage of the verdict of the Supreme Court and cause mayhem in this country, that is the main reason why the security is on red alert." He pointed out that "government is assuring Ghanaians and the general public that the security agencies are on high alert, they have taken measures to ensure that after the declaration of the verdict life and property are protected; nothing is going to happen."