Bawku Residents Blame Ayariga Over Deaths

Some residents of Bawku, especially Mamprusi’s, are accusing the Presidential spokesperson, Mahama Ayariga for the death of 26-year-old Ganiu and a fire Service Officer, who both died yesterday from gun shots in separate incidents. According to Gab Bugri, sister of Ganiu, Mr. Ayariga has deployed several men “posing as security personnel to safeguard the Bawku Central Constituency since it is believed there could be assaults on citizens from some unknown assailants.” But, the angry citizens claim Mr. Ayarigah, under this guise, is rather going round giving out gifts and seriously campaigning that a by-election is imminent. They are therefore asking President Mills to call his Spokesman to order. Meanwhile, Mr Ayariga, in an interview during PEACEFM NEWS@6pm, completely dismissed the accusations as baseless, since the incident allegedly took place on the other side of town. Reacting to the allegations, the presidential spokesman denied having anything to do with the death of the two victims. “This has absolutely nothing to do with me. I got a call that someone has been shot at the other side of town, whilst I was at the other end…the Soldiers, BNI and the Police, are investigating the matter as there seems to be different versions of the incident with some people even claiming it was an armed robbery gone bad,” he said. Mr. Ayariga, however, admitted handing out relief items to victims of some recent Bawku incident. “Nobody can stop me from visiting my hometown. Infact, I think people should rather be encouraged to pay regular visits to their hometown…it’s true I’ve been distributing items, but it’s being given out impartially and to victims. Even the NPP Constituency Secretary, was one of the first beneficiaries,” he proudly claimed. In a related development, the area of the shooting has been cordoned-off with over 33 suspects arrested for screening. Bawku has been notorious for recurring ethnic, chieftaincy and political violence. By: Kojo Asante/peacefmonline