According to the NPP, “we have picked up intelligence that there would be an attack on the life of our flagbearer and his running mate, Dr. Mahmoudu Bawumia” hence their decision to train the people in the close quarters of the two men to protect them.
At a press conference earlier today, acting National Chairman of the NPP, Freddy Blay indicated that their intelligence indicated that extra security is needed for their senior officials.
The comments of the NPP comes on the back of the arrest of two South African ex-police officers who were brought into the country by the NPP to “train some people in close combat, weapon handling and crowd control…”
The three are still in police custody and are expected to appear in court on Thursday March 24. The arrested South Africans according to the New Patriotic Party have not flouted any of the laws of the country.
The NPP said the South Africans were in Ghana in 2012 to train its personnel ahead of the elections. They added that they were invited through a registered security firm, Delta Securities. The Bureau of National Investigations – BNI has also invited the head of Delta Securities to help in investigations.
The party has questioned the continous detention of the South Africans who have also not had access to their lawyers. The NPP at the press conference said it would do all it can in its power to secure the release of the trio.
Some security analysts have also chasticed the BNI for releasing the names of the arrested South Africans adding that it is against intelligence gathering.
“Others who may be planning something bad may go into hiding if names of people they are connected to are released to the public like that…” said one of the experts.
By Martin Asiedu-Dartey|3news.com|Ghana
Twitter: @NewsyMartin