A key figure of the Alliance For Change (AFC) that organised a massive demonstration in Accra on 11 May 1995 has pointed out that one of the objectives of the protest was to show the NDC government that Ghanaians were a courageous people.

The AFC man, Dr Nyaho Tamakloe, who is a medical practitioner, stressed that the NDC administration, with the erstwhile Provisional National Defence Council - a military junta headed by Flt. Lt Jerry John Rawlings as its antecedent- had a field day and was insensitive to the plight of Ghanaians.

?So, we thought that it was time the people of this country showed their courage, because we knew we are a courageous people in this country. We only waited and when we hit at the right time, we hit hard. One thing that was very clear was that we demonstrated that as a people of this country, we could take the government on, which we did,? Nyaho Tamakloe emphasized.

On the other motive behind the Kume Preko protest, he referred to VAT and said the economic conditions at the time were not conducive for its introduction as ?it would definitely have worsen the conditions of Ghanaians.?

Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe drew a line between the economic situation of the country in 1995 and the current prevailing condition when he was asked whether things had changed as the VAT is operating under the current regime. Claiming that the situation had improved, the AFC strong man conceded, ?The whole economic set-up came to a standstill, and if certain measures had not been put in place, as we have now, the country would have totally grounded to a halt.?

Dr Nyaho-Tamaklore said the economy, at the moment, is being controlled nicely and was emphatic that ?if it should continue on that path, we shall definitely get far.?

Coming back to the Kume Preko event, he articulated, ?Yes, first and foremost, I would like to take this opportunity once again on my behalf and on behalf of my colleagues, to sincerely send my condolence to the bereaved families, particularly, Ahonu Hongar; the youngest among those who were murdered in the course of the demonstration.?

Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe recalled the many calls on the defunct NDC government to set up an independent Commission of Enquiry into the matter, which id did not yield to. ?Now luckily, if I would say, I think we have been able, with the assistance of Kweku Baako and the Crusading Guide, to identify one or two people and I believe strongly that knowing who Kweku is, he will not sit down unconcerned. We shall definitely pursue the murderers at the appropriate time,? he underscored.

He urged the NPP government to institute a Judicial Commission of Enquiry into the Kume Preko killings. Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe also talked of the need to erect a monument in the honour of the Kume Preko victims, stressing that where Ahonu Honger was assassinated could be named after him, as ?Honger Square? or ?Honger Circle.?