General News of Saturday, 4 May 2002

Source:  

Govt Is Dishonest - Andani Family

Government has been accused of failing to inspire confidence in the investigations into the recent crisis in Yendi. The Andani family, whose Paramount Chief was murdered says government’s attitude towards the investigations show that it is not an honest peace broker. The family claims it has credible information that the Director of the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), Elias Owusu Fordjuor was relieved of his post because of disagreements in the handling of investigations into the Yendi clashes.

According to the Andani family, government’s actions have given enough grounds to suspect that the move is part of a scheme to manipulate investigations into the murder of the Ya Na and others. In a statement, the family notes its dissatisfaction with the manner in which four committees or investigation teams set up to undertake investigations and effect some arrests in Tamale or Accra, never submitted reports.

It also notes the formation of yet another Presidential committee of inquiry to investigate the crisis without informing interest parties about the outcome of the Otumfuo’s Committee of traditional mediators. The family has therefore called on the media to ask government to clarify the status of all the committees formed to investigate the crisis and their outcomes.

Meanwhile, Information Minister, Jake Obetsebi Lamptey says the commission of enquiry into the Yendi clashes is yet to commence its investigations. According to Mr. Obetsebi Lamptey, the commission is awaiting a report of an investigative team, which is conducting preliminary investigations into the clashes.