Opinions of Thursday, 15 May 2008

Columnist: Anlo Youth Council

To Serious Fraud Office: Call For Investigation

The Serious Fraud Office Accra

Dear Sir/Madam:

A CALL FOR INVESTIGATION INTO THE KETA MUNICIPALASSEMBLY SECURITY EXPENDITURE FROM NOVEMBER 1, 2007 TO APRIL 2008

At an emergency meeting following the publication of the security expenditure of the Keta Municipal Assembly in the Wednesday, May 7, 2008 edition of the Daily Graphic, Anlo Youth Council would like to invite the Serious Fraud Office, Transparency International and other independent governance and anti corruption institutions to the Keta Municipal Assembly as a matter of urgency to investigate how 5 billion old cedis was expended in a sham security arrangement that did not restore peace and security to the Traditional Area.

We have carefully examined all the security arrangements by DISEC, National Security and their affiliate security organizations since November 1, 2007 vis-à-vis current value of such deployments in any other parts of the country and within the sub-region. This was done in collaboration with our senior members with security expertise.

The only conclusion we could draw was that the security situation in Anloga has provided a fertile ground for the MCE, Mr. Edward Kofi Ahiabor, and his associates to rake in millions of cedis and it is for this reason that peace in Anloga is not in their interest.

‘How can Ahiabor and his cohorts justify the security expenditure of the Keta Municipal Assembly which stands at 5 billion cedis according to the Daily Graphic, especially when all expenses—with regards to the payment of hospital bills of those who were hospitalized after the incidents feeding of ‘refugees’ who evacuated the town, repatriation of ‘refugees’, providing for the families of the deceased and the burial of the fallen heroes—were borne by Anlo Youth Council, Anlos in the Diaspora and the Chiefs and the Clan Heads of Anlo. Were the bullets which were used in killing and maiming Anlos on November 1, 2007 produced from diamonds? We all are taxpaying Ghanaians and have the right to demand that the resources of this country are expended prudently and transparency and accountability are the watch words in use of the public purse. Thanks very much for your anticipated cooperation.

Sincerely,

Signed: Mayor Agbleze (President)

P.Y. Tsikata (Secretary)

Anlo Youth Council Cc: The Committee for Joint Action (CJA) Transparency International The Auditor-General