Akufo-Addo initiates moves to resolve political unrest in Togo

Nana Addo [R] & Togo Prez Faure Gnassingbe[/caption]President Nana Akufo-Addo has initiated talks with Faure Gnassingbé and political actors in Togo to find solution to the political crisis that has rocked the francophone country since August this year. He said the situation in Togo is a matter of concern not only to Togolese but Ghana, hence his decision to ensure the political unrest in the neighbouring country is resolved. “The events that are taking place next door in Togo are disturbing for all of us and especially for you. …I know that anything that happens in Togo is a matter that’s very, very great concern [to you] and it is a concern to me and all the people of Ghana,” he told traditional leaders from the Aflao in the Volta Region Monday. There has been recent political tension in Togo as the Coalition of Opposition Parties is demanding the resignation of President Gnassingbe in a bid to bring that the Gnassingbe dynasty to an end. Nationwide protest rallies held on August 20 saw the death of two persons. There were also reported clashes in cities across the country as tension reached high pitch in the opposition stronghold, Sokode. On September 6, thousands of protestors marched through the streets of Togo’s capital, Lomé, causing authorities to shut down the internet in that country. The situation, which has caused scores of Togolese to flee the country, according to President Akufo-Addo, should be resolved to ensure political stability and peace prevail. “You can be sure that I cannot be idle while all these events are taking place, and we’ve began, the Togolese president came to see me in Tamale 10 days ago for long discussions, I have been meeting other political activists and definitely, we are all talking to see how we can bring this crisis to a closure and bring stability and peace to Togo,” he said. He noted that the talks have so far been fruitful and that his appeals have “fallen on very, very sympathetic ears. “I’m not staying idle in this matter, we’re acting. Let us pray for understanding and the blessing of the almighty so that we can find solution that will be in the interest of the people of Togo and by implication the people of Ghana,” the President urged all. Meanwhile, 26 Togolese nationals have been arrested in Accra for staging what the Ghana Police say is an unlawful demonstration in Accra over the political crisis in Togo. By Stephen Kwabena Effah|3news.com|Ghana Follow @steviekgh_TV3 ]]>