Minister of Information, Asamoah Boateng has cautioned former President Rawlings and other security capos “to stay in their lane” and allow the security people to do their job. “Maintaining security of the state is the duty of National Security and any attempt by any narrow organisation will not be entertained,” he added. The ex-President three weeks ago met with former security capos where national security issues were alleged to have been discussed. This prompted national security coordinator Sam Amu to issue a directive banning seven security capos from all military and police installations. The seven are Brigadier General (Retd) Nunoo Menash, for Chief of Defence Staff; Lt Gen. Arnold Quainoo, Former General Officer Commanding; Real Admiral Owusu Ansah, former Chief of Naval Staff; C.K. Dewornu, former Inspector General of Police; F.Y. Asare, Former Greater Accra Regional Police Commander; Bruce Konuah, former Defence Advisor to Pakistan, and W.K Aboah former Commissioner of Police. In an interview with Joy News’ Matilda Asante, the Information Minister said the decision to ban the seven former security chiefs from military and police installations was not because of a threat of a coup but maintained government will have to be proactive about its security measures in the interest of the state. “Coup in Ghana will not happen, we have passed that stage,” he said confidently, adding, the security personnel have their eyes wide opened and will thwart any efforts by people to subvert the constitution. On an alleged call by ex-President Rawlings to serving military personnel to disobey unlawful order, Hon Asamoah Boateng said it was only the courts that could determine what is unlawful and did not lie in the mouth of the ex-president or any other person. “We will not let the few people who think they know disrupt the lives of everybody” he warned. “We are responsible enough to return the authority given to us by the people back to the people for them to decide if they want us to continue or want a change, it is not Jerry Rawlings who should decide for us,” he added. Even though some of the affected persons were not part of the meeting held at President Rawlings’ residence, Asamoah Boateng said the ban was not limited to people who attended the meeting, adding, the “security picks up other signals and acts on them accordingly.” Author: Nathan Gadugah