General News of Friday, 13 December 2002

Source:  

DCE vacates residence in fear

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District (AEE), Mr Obempong, has vacated his residence, citing security reasons for his action. The DCE said he will not return to the residency until it is safe enough for him to inhabit it.

Mr Obempong, who disclosed this in an interview, said he evacuated his belongings from the residency and left Ajumako with his family to an unknown destination.

He refused to disclose where he has taken refuge saying that it is for security reasons, but said it is outside the Ajumako township and that he has to commute to work every day.

?I was living at the residency with my wife and three children, the youngest of whom is seven months old, but I am not ready to risk my life and their lives. All my valuables have also been evacuated from the place,? he added.

Mr Obempong said after demonstrations by some party members against him for allegedly misappropriating funds, among other things about a month ago, he has had several reports from informants that some people were planning to attack him.

He said a policeman and two watchmen were brought in to guard the residency.?However, I think that prevention is better than cure and so I decided to move from the residency,? he stated.

?I am not very old and I think my wife and three children cannot afford to live without me,? he said with a straight voice.He said he has not quit his post as DCE and is working as usual. ?As you can see, I am working and I have no intention, as of now, to quit my post as DCE,? he emphasised.

Mr Obempong said he has made complaints to the Ajumako Police and the District Security Council for investigations.On reports that a committee has been set up to investigate allegations levelled against him during the recent demonstration, he said, ?I am waiting for the findings of the report and I know I would be vindicated.?