Dr Antwi-Danso Joins Call for Akufo-Addo to Intervene in Togo Crisis

Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
22-08-2017 Time: 02:08:13:am

International Relations expert, Dr. Vladimir Antwi Danso, has urged President Nana Akufo-Addo to use diplomacy to resolve bitter conflicts between President Faure Gnassingbe of Togo and leader of the main opposition party.

There is uneasy calm in Togo following parallel protests in the capital Lome and neighboring town Sokode with residents fleeing their homes.

The protesters want the country to return to the use of the 1992 constitution which imposes limits on presidential terms.

Dr. Antwi-Danso says the approach being used by the opposition party and its supporters will yield little results, suggesting that the agitations may escalate.

“Our intelligence community should be observing the situation to ensure that whatever happens over there is not detrimental to our security, that is the first and foremost.

“Our President should also watch that it doesn’t escalate and what he can do is to talk to both sides. I strongly suspect that he has done it. If he hasn’t done I will be very surprised,” Dr. Antwi-Danso said.

Dr. Antwi-Danso’s call follows a similar suggestion by a ranking member of Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who is Member of Parliament for North Tongu, says if Ghana does not mediate between the government of Togo and its opposition, the country will not be spared the consequences of a full-blown conflict.

Two protesters were killed and 13 others wounded on Saturday when security forces opened fire to break up demonstrations against the ruling Gnassingbe family dynasty, the security ministry said.