Accra (Greater Accra), 30th December 99 The closure of the road at Ridge, which runs in front of the residence of the First Lady, is temporary and will last until adequate security guarantees are provided to ensure the safety of the President and his family.

A statement issued in Accra on Wednesday by the Ministry of Communications, explained that the road has been temporarily closed as a result of several security incidents that have posed a potential threat to the safety of the First Family.

It said that on many occasions, security men have had to leave their duty post to help motorists to clear their vehicles from the front of the house.

The Ministry said it has noted the public concern expressed recently in a private Accra weekly in respect of the closure of the road.

"Several security incidents recorded in respect of members of the First Family on that road have made it necessary for the closure," the statement said, adding that the safety of the President and his family in any country is of extreme public concern.

The statement noted that the headline in the weekly, 'First Lady seizes public road', "is grossly misleading and calculated to cause public disaffection against the person of the First Lady." It said the road was closed during the reconstruction work carried out by Construction Pioneers (CP) on the main Liberation Road early this year.

Following the completion of work, it was decided that the road should be temporarily closed for security reasons. "Not too long ago, a passenger mini bus suffered a breakdown in front of the residence, severely restricting access into and out of the premises for several hours, thereby causing serious security concerns."

The Ministry hoped that the "understanding of the public could be counted upon in this matter.