STATEMENT: Gov’t Must Deal Ruthlessly With So-called Secessionist Group And Their Financiers
The Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) has observed with grave concern the activities of some criminal elements operating in the Volta Region under the guise of secessionism and attempting to derail the peace, unity and security of the state.
We find the unwarranted destruction of property, especially the burning down of buses belonging to the State Transport Company (STC), brutalization of security personnel at STC bust terminal, road blocks and other criminal activities by these elements as a serious threat to state security and peace.
The party salutes the security agencies for their swift intervention that quelled the disruptive activities of these so-called secessionist gangs and aborted the burning down of the Ho Market and other heinous crimes that the criminals intended to execute.
The GCPP believes that the security agencies must not allow these unscrupulous cowards to have the slightest breathing space to engage in any further activity because Ghana cannot afford to live with such threats, especially going into the December polls.
It is also incumbent on the people of the area and Ghanaians in general to be on the lookout and provide information about the activities of all suspicious persons to the security agencies to enable them trail the criminals and nib in the bud any further attacks.
The security agencies are doing very well by providing protection for the area and gathering intelligence but they will be able to do more if people volunteer information.
GCPP implores the government not to relent in its efforts to fish out these bad nuts and go further to unveil all individuals and groups behind such so-called secessionists and bring them to book to serve as deterrent to others with similar intentions.
Ghana must declare zero tolerance for such elements. It should not deal with these criminals in kid gloves through dialogue and negotiations because any attempt to sit with these elements will strengthen their resolve to entrench their activities and spread their tentacles to become an albatross around the neck of the state.
The continuous provision of adequate and prompt information from government is crucial at this juncture to prevent speculation and rumours that will lead to misinformation, fear and panic. Timely provision of information will also make assurance doubly sure that government is on top of the situation and that nothing untoward will be allowed to occur.
The state must endeavour to consult and collaborate with major stakeholders such as the traditional authorities, social groups, religious organisations and community leaders to send a strong signal that these hoodlums have no room in any part of the country to operate.
The party pays glowing tribute to all groups that have condemned these gangs, especially the chiefs and people from the area.
Another way of sending a strong and unambiguous message to these nation wreckers that their criminal activities have no room in the current democratic dispensation is for all political parties to condemn these acts and support government in its moves in dealing with these criminals.
Ghana cannot afford to relent in its efforts at protecting its peace, security, stability, unity and democratic credentials that have earned it international accolades and positioned the country as a thriving democratic state.
The GCPP commend and support the efforts by the Akufo-Addo-led government so far in dealing with these criminals which has calmed nerves.
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