This years’ Independence Day celebration in Sekondi-Takoradi has been marked amidst security concerns.
Some Takoradi residents and an official from Amnesty International who spoke to Citi News at the Takoradi Jubilee park where the 62nd Independence parade was held, all expressed worry about security especially the three girls kidnapped in Takoradi and have not been found for well over six months.
Evelyn Nana Efua Assan, a resident expressing her concerns with Citi News said it is high time a solution is found to the issue of kidnapping.
“This kidnapping issue I don’t know how to express it but to me, it is getting out of hand. Six months have gone so far and nothing has been done and nothing has been heard. You can imagine the pain and agony the parents or family are going through. And so I think it is an issue we really have to talk to.”
The Board Chairman of Amnesty International in Ghana, George Aggrey who was also at the Takoradi Jubilee park with his team to mark the Independence Day said the 62nd Independence Day should have been celebrated in a state of true freedom and justice for all.
He said there was a need for the security of all persons to be taken seriously.
He, therefore, advised the security agencies to brief Ghanaians regularly on efforts in rescuing the kidnapped girls.
“We want the government to be aware that having attained 62 years, we are old enough to be independent in most areas of our lives as a nation. The most important of it all is security because when it comes to security, that is the area people can work in freedom, and as you are aware freedom and justice being the motto of this nation is something that we need to work towards.”
Speaking on what is currently of concerns to the Amnesty International when it comes to security in Takoradi, Mr. Aggrey said the kidnapping issues must be addressed but with transparency.
“The very issue that comes to mind is the issue of the missing girls which is very important to some of us in Takoradi. And I believe that it is an issue that cuts across the entire region. We believe that security agencies can do more. We expect them to do regular briefing as to what they are doing and again what they are doing with their counterparts in Nigeria because this suspect is a Nigerian.”
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By: Akwasi Agyei Annim | ctinewsroom.com | Ghana