Rawlings labels ban as absurd

Former President Jerry John Rawlings has said it was absurd for banning seven former Service Commanders from military installations by the national security.      Former President Rawlings, in a statement signed by his Aide, Kofi Adams, said the motive for the ban is designed to lock-out the noble intentions of the Generals who were trying to safeguard the integrity of the December elections.      "This absurdity can only emanate from a guilty and desperate NPP government incapable of facing the December 7 elections without fraud and violence."      The former President said the NPP was hiding behind the national security apparatus to deliberately skew the reasons behind his meeting with the affected retired Generals, to sow seeds of fear and intimidation.       He urged Ghanaians to see the action to ban the seven as a clear manifestation of the NPP's desperation.     He cautioned all Ghanaians to be alert "since the NPP is desperate to covert plans to perpetuate violence in the run-up to the elections because there is a clear indication that they will lose."     The former President called on Ghanaians to join hands in ensuring peace and security and be wary of persons and institutions that claimed to protect the citizenry but were rather operating to protect the ruling party to perpetuate its stay in power.     He described the former service chiefs as distinguished citizens of Ghana whose reputations were being maligned by a "paranoid government which has no modicum of respect left in its approach to issues."      Former President Rawlings said meetings aimed at ensuring peaceful elections would continue and enjoined religious, traditional and opinion leaders as well as well-meaning members of civil society to join the effort to preserve the sanctity of the right of choice and the electoral process.      The National Security this week announced the banning of Lt. Gen. Arnold Quainoo, Former General Officer Commanding, Brigadier General Nunoo Mensah, former Chief of Defence Staff, Rear Admiral Owusu Ansah, former Chief of Naval Staff, Mr C.K Dewornu, former Inspector General of Police, F.Y. Asare, former Greater Accra Regional Police Commander, Bruce Konuah, former Defence Advisor to Pakistan and W.K Aboah, former Commissioner of Police from entering military installations. GNA