The Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide newspaper has condemned a recent attack on the newly appointed Ashanti Region Security Coordinator but says the newly created office flouts the constitution.

Abdul Malik Kwaku Baako Jnr says the existing Regional Security Council, which is made up of an assembly of Executive appointees, security personnel, and civilians, is sanctioned by law and would serve the same purpose as the newly created office.

“Where is the legal basis? Where is the legal regime?” he asked of the regional security coordinator office.

It is not clear what the Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator has been tasked to do, but the name suggests a planner of security activities of sorts.

However, Mr. Baako thinks the membership of the constitutionally recognised Regional Security Council is well thought out and adequate for the purpose of linking the local government to the central government on security issues.

The Councils — one in each of the ten regions of the country— co-ordinate the security-related activities of the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).  

They also usually have monitoring teams that go round the metropolis or municipalities occasionally to review the execution of development projects and programmes and compliance with financial regulations of the state among others.

The membership includes a Regional Minister, who sits in sessions as Chairman, the Deputy Regional Minister(s), the Chief Executive of the Metropolitan, Municipal or District Assembly , an officer of the Armed Forces nominated by the Chief of Defence Staff, the Reginal Police Commander, the Regional Crime Officer, the Regional Officer of the Internal Intelligence Agencies; the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service in Charge of the Region, Prisons Service Officer in Charge of the region among others.

Speaking on Joy FM/Multi TV's news analysis programme, Newsfile on Saturday, Mr Baako suggests that the appointment may not be necessary.

His comment follows an attack on the recently appointed Regional Security Coordinator for the Ashanti Region, George Adjei, by men affiliated with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

More than 200 members of the 'Delta Force' attacked Mr Adjei and attempted to drive him out of the office.

The group wants their leader who has been identified only as Mohammed to be given the job of regional security coordinator.

Watch clip below for more from the Newsfile panellists' discussion.