Former President Jerry John Rawlings has hit back at critics who downplayed his fears that the recent spate of armed robberies recorded in parts of the country could be politically motivated.
In reaction to the condemnations that his fears were far-fetched, Mr. Rawlings retorted that none of the skeptics “are in a position to recognise security related power play better than me.”
In a statement on social media, the former President described some these skeptics as having timid minds, further suggesting that such persons were oblivious of the the level of rot within the society.
Thus, he said such persons “should not expect to be able to know or see what I see – much more to downplay it.”
— Jerry John Rawlings (@officeofJJR) March 5, 2018
Last week, when the reports of robberies were rampant, Mr. Rawlings in a statement said he hoped the heightened insecurity was not politically motivated.
“Let us hope the recent robbery and killings is downright plain robbery and not a politically motivated action from within or without, calculated to undermine those in charge of the security machinery in order to pave the way for certain parochial ambitions,” the former President stated.
Reshuffling of police hierarchy
Mr. Rawlings’ concerns last week came shortly before a major shake-up hit the police hierarchy.
Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, then-Director General of Police Operations, was reassigned to head the Research and Planning Department.
He was replaced by the Eastern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Simon Afeku.
Nine others were also reassigned to take up various positions across the country.
No official reason has been given for the reshuffle.
The dramatic increase in the robbery cases also led to the government intensifying the already-ongoing operation ‘Calm Life’ which is aimed at combating criminal activities in all parts of the country.
The government said military personnel were going to be deployed onto the streets of major cities nationwide to assist the police as part of efforts to halt the surge in robberies.
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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana
