...When The Need Arise - Okudzeto

A deputy Information Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has told Citi News that there is no need for government to evacuate its nationals in Egypt yet, since intelligence reports suggest that Ghanaians who are currently caught in the Egyptian cross fire are safe.

Tens of thousands of people have gathered in central Cairo for a seventh day of protest, calling for President Hosni Mubarak to step down after 30 years in power, but he has promised political reform.

The demonstrators are also planning a huge march to take place on Tuesday February 1.

The president has ordered his new Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq to push through democratic reforms and create new jobs.

However, reports say all the signs continue to suggest that the only change that the protesters will settle for is Mr Mubarak's removal from office.

A Middle-East analyst with the Legon Centre for international affairs and diplomacy, Dr. Ken Ahorsu told Citi News that all possible signs indicate that President Mubarak will not hand over power easily.

Several Ghanaians are reported to be stranded in Egypt. Many commercial flights from and to Egypt have also been cancelled.

Alhaji Saed Sinare, a Vice Chairman of the ruling NDC government is currently stranded in Egypt. In an interview with Citi News he said protesters will have to soften their stance on removing President Mubarak from office through protest.

However, speaking to Citi News, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the government is closely monitoring the situation in Egypt and would do everything possible to ensure the safety and protection of its citizens in Egypt.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and we receive up to the minute brief from our mission in Egypt. It would be important to point out that our mission is still open and running and so Ghanaians still have access to their services.

“It is also important to stress at this stage that it does not appear that Ghanaian nationals have been targeted and so we are quite happy about that.

There is a contingency plan that we have but at this stage Ghanaians would not be evacuated from Egypt because they have not been targeted. No Ghanaian would be evacuated at this moment”.