The National Coalition against Violence condemns the Ghanaian Deputy Minister for Information, Mr Baba Jamal for having links with the banned Islamic organisation Islamic Jihad, Whose members are banned in Egypt , the Palestinian Territories and other Arab countries for Terrorism as well as being on the terrorist watch list in the above countries . We also condemn moves by him to set up guerrilla training camps at Akyem Swedru in the Eastern Region and Shai Hills in the Greater Accra Region to train 200 men in small arms and hand to hand combat for reasons which we find strange and unacceptable. The Question is Baba Jamal setting up training Camps to train young men in small arms and hand to hand Combat instead of helping them to get training for jobs or at least get an education? What is he preparing them for?

Our Movement is concerned that Mr Jamal, in an email dated on the 31st of March this year wrote to Al Mawariyah, a Saudi/Egyptian muslim fundraising circle which was investigated by the FBI 7 years ago for being a front for raising funds for the banned Islamic Jihad organisation. In this email, Baba Jamal told the officials of Al Mawariyah that he was a young minister who was intrested to represent their business interests in Ghana and that ,he was prepared to set up an office for them in Ghana. He also promised that he would use his position to get them registered in a short time and would facilitate their bank account registration. How much was Baba Jamal paid for doing all this instead of using his time to explain governments policies and programmes?
Article 284 of Ghana’s constitution is clear on the conflict of interest regarding the conduct of public officials. Why would Mr Baba Jamal use his position to help a banned Islamic organisation, and a suspicious fundraising group set up in Ghana.? What is he getting from doing this and putting the lives of Ghanaians at risk ? What are they raising funds for and once again we ask, will setting up training camps for young men who are not military or police personnel to learn HOW TO USE SMALL ARMS AND PISTOLS , hand to hand combat ensure peace to Ghana?

We are appealing to politicians to end the culture of self interest and selfishness. Ghana needs to be a haven of peace ,security and progress to develop and prosper. President Mills and the Security Agencies must put an end to the organisation and promotion of any paramilitary or any armed group.

Mr Baba Jamal must prove his commitment to peace by ending his association and fraternity with Islamic Jihad and Al Mawariyah now!