General News of Thursday, 6 May 2004

Source: GNA

Police warn false bomb alarmists

Accra, May 6, GNA - The Police on Thursday warned that it would deal drastically with anyone caught giving false alarm to create fear and panic.

The warning which came in the wake of false bomb scare alarms in Accra within the last three days said it was an offence under the Public Order Act 29/60 Section 208 to issue a report, a statement or rumour which is likely to cause fear and alarm to the public, having reasons to believe that such statement or rumour are false.

There have been false alarms that a bomb had been planted at the Merchant Bank in Central Accra on Tuesday; another at the Ghana International School on Wednesday and the Novotel Hotel on Thursday. A statement issued in Accra from the Director of Criminal Investigative Department (CID) said all those alarms were false and any person arrested would face the full rigours of the Law.

It said the Police and the Military response to the threats were prompt and professional.

Information available to the Police indicated that those giving the anonymous calls were doing so either from communication centres or phone booths.

The statement requested the public to report to the nearest Police Station any person who they suspected to be engaged in such criminal activities.

The Police gave the assurance that they were ready to deal with anybody who wanted to create confusion in the country.