President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has assured Ghanaians he will continue to insist on respect of the rule of law in the governance of the country.
He said although some events in Kumasi presented some difficulties, he will not waver in his resolve to serve the country under the “condition of rule of law.”
Interacting with the media after a retreat at the Peduase Lodge in Aburi Monday, the President said his government is determined to deliver on its promises.
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President Akufo-Addo’s comments come four days after members of pro-NPP vigilante group, Delta Force, raided a Kumasi circuit court and freed 13 of their members who were standing trial for violent behaviour and assault.
The 13 are part of some 21 men who were arrested by the police following the violent assault of the Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, George Agyei, by the group. Delta Force had suggested the appointment of its leader because of the role he played toward the NPP’s 2016 election victory.
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Displeased with the court’s decision to remand the 13 ahead of the April 20 hearing, the men numbering 50 stormed the premises to release their colleagues.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), David Apeatu, had said the 13 fled through the back of the court that is reserved for the judge.
The 13 turned themselves in after repeated calls by the police and Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery, to do that. The police also arrested eight of the men who played a role in the escape.
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A Kumasi Circuit Court has remanded the eight despite pleas by their lawyer to have them granted a bail.
The development has been widely condemned by Ghanaians who believe the security agencies were lax. They said the police failed to anticipate the situation.
Speaking on the issue for the first time, the President said he will not allow any of his appointees to subvert the law to achieve their individual ends.
“We are not wavering in that commitment and we believe the overwhelming majority of Ghanaians support us in that commitment,” he said.
Ban on purchase of new cars:
President Akufo-Addo has said the moratorium placed on the purchase of new vehicles by Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) will not be changed.
“No matter how dilapidated the vehicles are, we have to make do with them,” he said.
