There was near anarchy at the celebration of Akwasidae at the Manhyia Palace on Sunday when a bodyguard of former President Rawlings allegedly pulled a pistol, attracting a swift response from the heavily armed police and military personnel present who dispossessed him of the weapon. The incident, which unfolded before the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and President J. A. Kufuor, created a tense atmosphere at the palace for more than 20 minutes as the security personnel and the bodyguards of the former President sorted themselves out. The ceremony, which was attended by the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and the presidential running mate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr John Mahama, had been very peaceful until the arrival of the former President around 3.30 p.m. Immediately, anxious on lookers rushed to catch a glimpse of him, while others indicated gestures of the 'kangaroo dance' and shouts of "We are moving forward!" As Fit Lt Rawlings, accompanied by his wife, Nana Konadu, went to greet the Asantehene and exchanged greetings with other dignitaries, the jeers and the tension intensified. In the ensuing melee, a bodyguard of Fit Lt Rawlings was said to have pulled a pistol, but before anyone could determine his intention, the security personnel present had disarmed him and confusion broke loose. It took strenuous efforts by police and military personnel to bring the situation under control. After sanity had been restored somehow, the Asantehene exchanged greetings with his guests and immediately afterwards the former President departed. Source: Daily Graphic