July 2001 Africa News Headlines

Wednesday, July 18, 2001 - Web posted at 9:13:46 GMT

Former Ghana president claims opponents plan to assassinate him

NAIROBI - Ghana's former president Jerry Rawlings claimed an assassination plot is being hatched against him.

In an interview aired yesterday on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and monitored in Nairobi, Rawlings said elements in the new Ghanaian government are "creating the impression that former dissident colleagues of mine intend to eliminate or do me in".

"They're trying to creta cover or a subterfuge for an attempt on my life," Rawlings said.

Rawlings stepped down in December after two terms as elected president and 19 years in power since leading a military coup in the West African nation.

He hinted in the interview that a coup could take place because of discontent with President John Kufour's administration.

"They seem to be terrorising people into a state of submission," Rawlings said.

"This could blow up in your face. This is Ghana and our security services are people of integrity. Things could happen."

"However, Rawlings insisted that he does not want a coup or a revolt. "I'm not going to be a judge of Kufour. It's the people who are going to be the judge."

Rawlings complained that the government cancelled the annual celebrations marking June 4, the anniversary of his coup, and told the BBC he's angry that his personal staff have been changed. - Nampa-Sapa-DPA

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