(Free Expression Ghana/IFEX) – On 19 January 1998, Kweku Baako Jr., editor of “The Guide”, a national weekly based in Accra, was called to the headquarters of the Police CID Flying Squad for questioning in connection with a letter printed in the 13-19 November 1997 issue of the newspaper. The letter, written by one Bayitsey […]
(Free Expression Ghana/IFEX) – On 19 January 1998, Kweku Baako Jr., editor
of “The Guide”, a national weekly based in Accra, was called to the
headquarters of the Police CID Flying Squad for questioning in connection
with a letter printed in the 13-19 November 1997 issue of the newspaper. The
letter, written by one Bayitsey Nyagbatey of Tema and published under the
headline “Is warrant officer Salifu Amankwa heading a task force or a
para-military unit?”, alleged that Amankwa’s Task Force Unit was a well
equipped commando unit, possessing sophisticated weapons which were being
hidden at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra. The letter further alleged that
Ezanetor Rawlings, daughter of President Rawlings, was a commander of the unit.
Mr. Kweku Baako was told to write a statement explaining the circumstances
surrounding the publication of the letter and was then allowed to go. He
was accompanied by Ben Ephson, Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association
(GJA) Human Rights Committee. Reporting on the incident, the 22-28 January
edition of “The Guide” said that the Ministry of Communications had called
for Baako’s questioning and that he could possibly be charged with criminal
libel.
