afrol News, 16 January - Dozens of armed policemen, some in bullet proof vests, have besieged the residence of Fracis Poku, Ghana’s ex-Minister of National Security early this morning, chasing away visitors.

Plain cloth officers who are stationed there claim to be there only to protect him. Ten of the operatives in military fatigues were seen sitting in a Toyota Tundra pick-up while two armed others were manning the gate to the house.

It is not immediately clear what sort of operation the police are carrying out in the ex-Minister's residence.

However, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Oboshie Sai-Cofie has allayed public fears. Sai-Cofie told journalists that Poku was to be taken through a debriefing exercise as part of routine handing over ceremony and described the situation as nothing untoward.

The minister has appealed to the public to remain calm and assured that Poku’s life was not under threat.

President John Kufuor relieved the former National Security Minister from duty on 12 January this year.

The Secretary to the President, Ambassador D.K Osei, issued a statement, expressing Kufuor's "deepest gratitude" to Poku for his "immense contribution to the stability and development" of the country during his tenure as National Security Co-ordinator and Minister of National Security.

The government's latest action has thrown Ghanaians into confussion, with some people mounting speculations on the issue.

By S. Makalo in Accra, Ghana

© afrol News

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