General News of Saturday, 13 March 2004

Source: CHRONICLE

Soussoudis Spy Swap Saga

Mr. Kwamena Ahwoi, former minister of Regional integration, says he is outraged by the allegations levelled against him at the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) concerning the denationalization of some Ghanaians and their subsequent deportation to the US for allegedly spying for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Mr. Ahwoi who has been accused of playing a major role in the infamous Ghana US spy swap has indicated his readiness to appear at the NRC to unravel the circumstances surrounding the palace. He told Chronicle on Saturday that he had been living under a heavy burden over the years to tell his side of the story.

?I want to tell my story because the man Major John Awuakye has told his story which is false. There are living witnesses in Ghana who will come and tell their story after I have told mine.?

He dismissed he assertions that lawyers did not misrepresent those who were exchanged. ?There were lawyers who represented those exchanged. These lawyers are alive and are prepared to testify.

Mr. Ahwoi said he was surprised that Major Awuakye, who had indicated that he was glad that he was going to America under such circumstances, would now create the impression that he was not happy.

The circumstances under which we met at the Soussoudis exchange showed that he was very happy to be going to America. I am surprised that after 15 years, he should come and create an impression that it was something that he did not like. I am telling you that Major Awuakye was very happy that he was going to America and he was very happy that I was the instrument that had made it possible for him to be going to America,? he declared.

The ex-minister, now Director of Research for the National Democratic Congress said he was not quite clear about the agenda of his accuser but whatever it was, he presented a falsehood to the public.

Meanwhile Chronicle on Saturday can report that Mr. Ahwoi has complied with the procedures of the NRC and would soon testify about his involvement and the roles he played.

ON SATURDAY