The Disturbances at Tamale, Gushiegu, We'll Spare No One (Front Page) September5, 2008

Story: Michael Donkor, Tamale.

THE Minister for the Interior, Dr. Kwame Addo-Kufour has given a firm commitment that government would institute thorough investigations into last weekend’s disturbances in Tamale and Gushiegu that claimed three lives and left in its wake, massive destruction of property.
According to the minister, all perpetrators behind the recent mayhem that would be found guilty would be made to face the full rigours of the law irrespective of one’s ethnic or political affiliation stressing that, without justice and fairness, the country could not advance in its forward march to prosperity.
He has meanwhile ordered that all those arrested in connection with the disturbances should be sent to Accra for screening and subsequent prosecution.
The minister was speaking during a meeting with political party representatives, religious and opinion leaders in Tamale today. Also present were Members of Parliament for Tamale South and North, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu and Alhaji Abubakari Sumani.
The Minister’s delegation included the Ministers for Defence and Information and National Orientation, Messrs Kan Dapaah and Asamoah Boateng.
Also included were the National Security Coordinator, Dr. Sam Amoo, the Acting Inspector General of Police, Elizabeth Mills Robertson and some Service Commanders.
Dr. Addo-Kufuor expressed shock over the incidents especially following in the heels of the recent voters’ registration exercise that recorded some violent scenes in the Tamale metropolis.
‘‘Ghana has come a long way in its development process and it is important that the peace and unity of the country is protected,’’ he indicated, adding that, ‘‘instability and conflicts would erode all the gains made.’’
The Minister observed that the general impression of massive proliferation of firearms in the possession of private persons to
some extend was responsible for the instability in the northern region.

He therefore appealed to the people to assist the security agencies to retrieve the illegal firearms and to cooperate with them including the regional peace council to ensure sustainable peace in the region and the country in general.
Dr. Addo-Kufour however gave a firm indication that, ‘‘the government would like to assure the nation that it will take the necessary steps to ensure that there is respect for law and order, and that the security and general wellbeing of the Ghanaian people are protected.’’
The minister further stated that, the government would strive to ensure that the forthcoming general elections would be conducted in a free, fair and transparent atmosphere.
He affirmed that the sovereign will of the people regardless of who wins the general elections would be respected.
The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, expressed worry that the weekend violence could be ‘‘the beginning of terrible things to come if the right decisions were not taken.’’
He entreated the people to always resort to modern tools of engagement through dialogue instead of engaging in violent acts at the least provocation.
The minister admonished religious leaders not to relent in their efforts of goodwill and prayers for sustainable peace which he said the region was in dire need of.