Akufo-Addo suspends his security detail

Nana Akufo-Addo, NPP stalwart New Patriotic Party stalwart Nana Akufo-Addo has suspended some members of his security detail following a violent confrontation which broke out between them and other party members. In a press statement released on Friday and signed by Nana Addo himself, the former presidential candidate of the NPP described the clash as rather “unfortunate, inexcusable and regrettable.” A feud which reportedly broke out in the Greater Accra Regional Office of the party is said to have degenerated into a clash in which several persons were injured. According to the statement, some persons had, allegedly, persistently and openly been making derogatory and abusive remarks about Nana Addo which his supporters there did not take kindly to. The situation is then said to have degenerated into a fight which resulted in the injuries. The statement said the NPP presidential candidate for Election 2008 has always been opposed to the violence and would always stand up to condemn it. “I have always been opposed to the use of force to resolve political disputes or arguments and condemn it. I have thus consistently advised all members of my staff and sympathisers not to respond violently or in like manner to any provocation, taunts or insults directed against me,” it said. “I have visited the injured persons to express my profound regret about it and to reassure them of my personal commitment against violence.” One of the injured men said his assailants pounced on him when he tried to go the rescue of one of his friends being assaulted by the men. He said men wielded daggers which they wanted to use on him. Another man who also complains of assault said his whole body hurt badly. Nana said he has ordered an investigation into the matter. “I hereby call on all members of our party to consider the wider implications of their actions and conduct themselves in a manner which will foster unity and singleness of purpose amongst us. It is my fervent hope and prayer that we all work together to promote peace and harmony within the NPP,” it stated. Meanwhile the Nima Divisional Police Command is investigating the alleged assault. Story by Fiifi Koomson/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana