Regional News of Thursday, 12 February 2004

Source: GNA

REGSEC to cooperate in enforcing the law- Reg. Minister

Ho, Feb. 12, GNA- Mr Kwasi Owusu-Yeboa, Volta Regional Minister on Wednesday re-affirmed that the Regional Security Council (VREGSEC) would continue to explore legitimate administrative machinery to enforce the rule of law in the region.

He therefore, pledged that the VREGSEC would discharge its duties professionally without fear or favour saying, the "Council was not an appendage of any dispute or factionalism but to maintain and keep the peace in the region".

Mr Owusu-Yeboa was addressing journalists in his office on recent publication that atrocities and brutalities have been meted out by VREGSEC to Uborr Atta Naabu faction in the Naabu-Kura chieftaincy dispute in the Nkwanta district.

He that the VREGSEC would deal ruthlessly with all those issuing false and unsubstantiated statements especially in the media or incite people with disregard to the law.

"VREGSEC would not condone wrongdoing as much as countenance lawlessness, threats, intimidation or violence to undermine law and order", he said

He therefore, appealed to chiefs of the region to continue to keep the peace and expose activities of recalcitrant people whose actions tended to undermine the peace and security of the region.

The Regional Minister advised all feuding factions to always settle their disputes through the approved channels for redress. Mr Owusu-Yeboa said VREGSEC had made tremendous progress in the region and commended the people of the region for building the culture of respect, enabling the Council to perform its duties.

Chieftaincy dispute broke out between Bili Mantoon and Uborr Atta Naabu factions, which was adjudicated by the Krachi Traditional Council where the former was declared victors.

Permission was sought by the Bili Mantoon faction from the VREGSEC for protection to install a chief, which was obliged only for the Uborr Atta Naabu faction to begin issuing threats of bloodshed and beheading of their opponents, which warranted the presence of the security personnel to maintain the peace.

The Minister advised them to exploit the legitimate channels for redress instead of resorting to media publications, violence and threats of deaths.