The former President, John Dramani Mahama, is calling on government to address the current security situation in the country.
In a presser by the office of the former President,;he stated that the security issue which has caused the death of London-based journalist, Syed Taaley Ahmed, should be tackled to assure the public of their safety in the country.
“We therefore call on the Akufo-Addo/ Bawumia government to take urgent steps to address;the deteriorating security situation in the country so;that our people can feel safe to go about their daily activities.
“President Mahama wishes to further reecho his call on the government to urgently address the worrying development. No one could have imagined that the tragic death of this journalist would follow so soon”.
John Mahama
This follows news report that Journalist,;Syed Taaley Ahmed,;had been killed in a robbery attack on a vehicle he was travelling in. The journalist who was with a crew from the London-based Muslim TV (MTA International),;was in the country to work on a documentary assessing Ghana’s peace and security,;when he met his untimely death.
Mahama in utter shock over Journalist death
Giving his initial reaction on the death of the journalist,;John Mahama stated that he was in shock as a highway robbery had taken the life of someone during his line of work. He further expressed his condolence and prayer to the family;and asked for healing for all those who have been wounded in these attacks.
“The Office of H.E John Dramani Mahama has received with utter shock,;news of an attack on yet another passenger vehicle on the Tamale- Buipe road by armed robbers,;leading to the murder of an international journalist,;Syed Taaley Ahmed.
“We wish to extend our deepest condolences to his family and MTA International, following the profound loss of their loved one. It is truly ironic that a journalist working on a documentary on peace and security should die from an incident of highway robbery, which has become symptomatic of the violent crime currently consuming our country”.
John Mahama
Rampant robbery, an issue of concern
John Mahama further stated that the rampant criminal activity of armed robbers in the northern parts of the country is a cause for great concern,;as they are fast becoming a daily occurrence. He said in recent times,; these armed robbers have become so emboldened that, they do not only terrorize road users in the night, but in the daytime as well.
“Armed robbers, according to news reports, in broad daylight, attacked motorists travelling on the Bolgatanga-Walewale highway robbing them of all their valuables.
“During President Mahama’s recent tour of the five regions in the north of the country to thank the people for their support in the 2020 elections, he met with chiefs, stakeholders, opinion leaders and religious leaders who mentioned insecurity on the highways as one of the key matters of concern”.
John Mahama
He further posited that despite the low morale of many of the Police personnel due to the lack of adequate crime fighting logistics, the Ghana Police Service remains one of the best in Africa. He added that when they are given all the support, they can secure the country’s highways and ensure security for all.
