Entertainment of Tuesday, 7 August 2007

Source: GNA

Regional minister calls for peace during Homowo

Accra, Aug. 7, GNA - Sheikh Ibrahim C. Quaye, Greater Accra Regional Minister, on Tuesday urged the Ga State to cooperate with the Regional Security Council to maintain peace, law and order during this year's Homowo.

Commenting on the Nungua riots and the developments in the Ga chieftaincy dispute, among others, he said the Regional Security Council would work hard to avert any similar problems.

At a press briefing on the security situation in the Ga State, Sheikh Quaye said he recognized the vital role the media played in security matters and urged the media to exhibit truthfulness, objectivity and a sense of responsibility in their reportage on security issues during the season.

He expressed regret that problems such as disturbances between the Ga traditional authorities and Churches, criminal activities such as armed robbery, car snatching and pick-pocketing had characterized the festival.

Sheikh Quaye debunked allegations that he had something to do with the Nungua riots.

"I am not in any way, not even remotely, involved in the on-going chieftaincy row in that suburb. Any attempt to implicate me can only be far-fetched and cruelly mischievous," he said. Sheikh Quaye called on the media to note that security matters within the Council was the collective responsibility and not that of the Regional Minister.

He said any act of lawlessness from any quarter during this weekend's Homowo festival would not be countenanced by the Regional Security Council.