(Nii Tackie-Comme denies allegation)

Page 15, Aug 11, 2009
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Member of Parliament (MP) for Odododiodoo, Mr Jonathan Nii Tackie-Comme, has denied an allegation levelled against him that he was behind attempts to halt the celebration of this year’s “Homowo” festival.
“I wish to state emphatically that there is no iota of truth in that statement,” he said at a press conference in Accra to deny the allegation.
Mr Tackie-Comme explained that for the past three years, there had been disputes over the Ga Paramount Stool, which had resulted in riots and intervention by the security agencies.
He said during the preparation towards the festival in 2008, similar incidents occurred and that compelled the then government to request the National Peace Council to intervene leading to the imposition of a ban on the sprinkling of traditional meal in some parts of Ga Mashie.
Mr Tackie-Comme stated that during this year’s rites of the ban on drumming, similar issues nearly cropped up.
According to the MP, reliable information gathered from the security agencies showed that such incidents could erupt during this year’s Homowo celebration.
“As the MP for the area, I have the legitimate right to ensure peace and protect the rights of my constituents and therefore wholeheartedly support the action taken by the Regional Security Council in the maintenance of peace during the Homowo celebrations,” he stated.
The MP reiterated that the decision of the REGSEC could not be taken in isolation as it did happen under the previous administration, adding that chances must not be taken for any mishap to occur as it did in some parts of the country sometime ago.