This article would have been out months ago; except I had to be sure Uncle Gbevlo-Lartey and his goons didn’t know ‘hu’ about IT. Fortunately, my investigations revealed that the most sophisticated device in the National Security office is a “macho-man”. Don’t call me scared, call me cautious. The right to freely express one’s self has assumed a decorative status in our constitution again.

The appointment of the former Commander of the disbanded 64 Reserve Battalion - a battalion solely known for its bodyguard duties- to the office as the National Security ined compulsory ‘invitations’ to the BNI office, the resurfacing of arrests without warrants, the beginning of witch-hunting and white paper-permitted-violence. The appointment of a man whose history is peppered with questionable ‘duties’, allegiances and known friendships with certain characters, confirms what the Atta-Mills administration vehemently denies; the influence of His Excellency Flt. Lt. Rawlings in the present government.

Now, what exactly is the portfolio of a National Security chief? A press release by the National Security Agency dated March 24th, 2009 stated the duties of the Agency as,” focused on the ensuring the well-being and safety of every individual currently inhabited in Ghana, particularly those who conduct themselves and businesses in accordance of the law”.

I believe that is exactly what Gbevlo-Lartey is doing: protecting the safety of Ghanaians by the Hollywood styled seizure of cars in the streets of Accra, repossessing office buildings, monitoring the arrival of opposition flag-bearers at airports, submitting a clean bill report upon investigating expensive chinchinga and pampers purchases, issuing disturbing press releases and invading and occupying traditional palaces.

Probably, the occupants of the cars he seized unceremoniously were suspected suicide bombers just as the said office buildings was probably the headquarters of a crime syndicate. Maybe, just maybe, the Gbese Mantse was hiding Al-Qaeda operatives in his palace. Who knows? After all, the National Security Agency’s activities are to safeguard the safety of Ghanaians.

I should also believe the ‘manual’ of duties of the National Security rdinator explicitly states his superiority to the Ghanaian High court and subsequently the constitution that established it; considering his total disregard of High Court rulings concerning the Gbese chieftaincy issues.

I’d like to safely assume this ‘manual’ of duties categorically allows Gbevlo-Lartey to publicly announce his prejudice-influenced intent to personally pursue the hidden agenda of “cutting Kufuor to size by humiliating him”.

I say the office “National Security Cordinator” could otherwise be dubbed “National Intimidation Cordinator”. Why else would President J.E.A Mills simultaneously appoint a National Security Advisor in addition to Gbevlo-Lartey? Possibly, most Ghanaians have not considered this. If the Security Advisor was appointed by the President to advice on security issues, then what was the Security Co-ordinator appointed for?

This riddle needs no hard thinking. It is obvious he was appointed to perform the duties he used to perform under the Rawlings administration but this time, in civilian clothes, with sunglasses and a new title, “Security Co-ordinator”. I stand to be corrected.

Ghanaians have began to witness the return of ‘compulsory’ invitations by security agents, arrest of drivers associated with former MP’s under trumped up charges, issuance of prejudiced press releases towards former presidents, etc. I wouldn’t be surprised if once again, former presidents are lined up and shot all in the name of security.

Call it the National Security Agency; I will call it the National Security Nonsense.


Credit: Nana Adjapong
[Email: billadjapong@gmail.com]