Former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong has advised the media especially political show hosts to evade from seeking opinions from both New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC) representatives on the recent Kumasi incidents since that rather aggravates situations.
According to him, both the media and politicians should rather calm the atmosphere so as the citizens will not live in fear and panic.
“In such situations, there are two types of reactions. We have the British procedure which is the calm way and the Americans who would want to go the harsh way. I believe in the calm situations to resolve issues. We shouldn’t show restrained and not fear and panic.
“…unfortunately, quickly our politicians will start reading meanings in every situation. Both NDC and NPP will discuss the matter in their own understanding. I heard an NDC activist explained what happened in Kumasi in his own way whiles a former MP (Kofi Jumah) is also saying it’s no longer safe to live in Kumasi. All this will not help solve issues,” he said.
Residents of Kumasi in the Ashanti regional capital are living in fear, following bloody attacks by unidentified hoodlums in recent times.
In just a week, three men have been shot and killed by armed men at different locations in the Ashanti metropolis. One of the deceased who was killed at a popular drinking spot at Dichemso, a suburb of Kumasi last Saturday is alleged to be the nephew of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Frederick Fredua Anto.
Speaking to Accra-based Asempa FM, a barrister and the former IGP advised various political show hosts to seek views of the recent uprising in Kumasi from the police since they will be in the better position to ascertain what led to the incident without politicizing it.
“We must show restrained. Those hosting political shows should not call political parties spokes persons to seek their views when there is a discussion on such issues. Both of them (NPP and NDC) will speak in their own interest without finding the solution for it. The most irritating part is their followers who will also call into the programme and follow the same trend as their party leaders.
“…the hosts should not give them (NPP and NDC) the open chance to make unaccepted utterances on air. They (NPP and NDC) only increase tension in Kumasi,” he said.
“People should go about their normal duties in Kumasi and the public should not hesitate to inform the police or any other security personnel if in case they hear the hideout of these criminals”, he advised.
Credit: Peacefmonline
