General News of Saturday, 26 October 2013

Source: joyonline

Ayariga tells Nunoo-Mensah et al to stop talking

Information and Media Relations Minister has counseled security capos in the country to leave the business of communication to the experts.

Mahama Ayariga said he has “a general concern” with security capos making public comments on national issues.

He would rather those public comments are made by paid professionals in government.

Ayariga made the comments on Newsfile on Saturday, during the discussion of the controversial statements made by the National Security Advisor, Brigadier General Nunoo-Mensah.

The former CDS charged striking public sector workers to take their passports and get out of the country if they cannot sacrifice a little for the country.

He is livid with the continuous threat of strike and labour agitations in the country.

His comments have ruffled many nerves and sent many tongues wagging, some very harsh.

He has since stood by his comments and vehemently rejected calls for an apology and his resignation.

Discussing the issue on Newsfile, the Minister of Information, Mahama Ayariga said he cannot imagine himself telling any Ghanaian to get out of the country.

“I will not tell a Ghanaian to take his passport and get out of the country…” he said, adding, “I will say let’s stay let’s work together and improve the situation.”

He said the Brigadier General is not a good communicator like Nana Akomea who has the ability to make white look black and black look white.

Ayariga said Brig. Gen. Nunoo-Mensah’s comments were his personal opinion and cannot be attributed to government.

Another panelist on the show, Nana Akomea said the National Security Advisor’s comment is “crude”, “irritating” and “counter-productive.”