The National Democratic Congress (NDC) had no power to stop the post-election seizure of public facilities, former Interior Minister Prosper Bani has said.
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According to Mr. Bani, the NDC did it part in ensuring that Ghana was peaceful before, during and after the 2016 elections.
There were several reports of some New Patriotic Party (NPP) members vandalizing and seizing public properties in the aftermath of the 2016 elections.
Certain quarters believe the NDC could have done something to stop the unrest.
However, the former Interior Minister insists after handing over power to the NPP, there was nothing more the NDC could have done since it had already ceded leadership of the State to the new government.
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“The NDC had a comprehensive plan to secure this country devoid of violence before, during and after the elections,” Mr. Bani said in an exclusive interview with Pulse.com.gh.
“You would agree with me that we didn’t recall any violence from rogue elements called the vigilante group. We engaged social communities to make sure these [violent] groups are not active.
“Indeed after the election I was out of office on 6th January. And therefore I didn’t have control of the state or state institutions [as Interior Minister]. The police and other security agencies have become overwhelmed because of their commitments. The direction should come from leadership [of the NPP].” He explained.
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Mr. Bani also had some kind words for his incoming successor Ambrose Dery – who has been nominated as minister designate for Interior by President Akufo-Addo.
“We went to the same university; we even have pet names. And we have known each other for a very long time.
“[Ambrose Derry] is a very serious character. You can see his competitiveness. From his background, he is a strong Catholic, human right lawyer, and a legal expert. I have no doubt that he is going to handle the Ministry of Interior so well.” He applauded.
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Prosper Bani served as Ghana’s Interior Minister between February 2016 and January 7th, 2017.