The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) says the re-arrest of Nana Akufo-Addo’s head of security by the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) is all part of an orchestrated plan by government to project their presidential candidate as a man of violence.

Deputy Communications Minister, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed Captain (rtd) Edmund Koda’s re-arrest by the BNI on JoyFm/Multitv’s news analysis programme, Newsfile. 

The arrest was effected by officials of the BNI at the early hours of Friday, March 25, Mr. Ofosu said. 

It was revealed by the leadership of the NPP that the three South African ex-policemen, who are reported to be in Ghana to train the security people of Nana Akufo-Addo and his running mate, were invited by Captain Koda which resulted in his first arrest for questioning.

The men, Major Ahmed Shaik Hazis (Rtd.) 54, WO/Denver Dwayhe Naidu (Rtd.) 39, and Captain Mlungiseleli Jokani (Rtd.) 45 were picked up at the El Capitano Hotel at Agona Duakwa Sunday, March 20 by BNI officials in the Agona East of the Central region.

They were charged with engaging in activities which threaten the security and safety of the country.

However, Mr. Ofosu revealed that the Danquah Institute and a shipping company invited the three South African ex-cops to Ghana and not Captain Koda and Captain (rtd) Acquah as reported. 

Meanwhile, in the Eastern region, the feud between the NPP and the BNI has become a subject of protest by a pro-NDC group calling themselves Concerned Youth Group of Kwahu.

They have been displaying placards questioning the alleged violent nature of the NPP presidential candidate.

The acting National Chairman of the NPP, Freddy Blay says the protest and the re-arrest of Nana Akufo-Addo’s head of security are all part of a government-orchestrated plan. 

"It should be obvious to every discerning individual in this country that it's all orchestrated. That is exactly what they wanted to do. The whole idea of accusing the three South Africans of coming to train mercenaries or they being mercenaries and so forth and refusing to release Captain Koda and the other people that have been put before the court is all part of a well thought out political propaganda," said Freddie Blay. 

According to Mr. Blay these are attempts to portray the party and its presidential candidate as doing something untoward. 

Mr. Blay said Nana Akufo-Addo was invited in Kwahu for the festival and the NDC knew from their intelligence that he will be there.

"They are intentionally putting people they have hired, rented to go there to hold placards portraying him as violent but it won't wash," said Mr. Blay.  

Meanwhile, Government today accused the three South African ex-security men detained by the BNI of espionage.

It also says, at least, one of the men has travelled on a number of occasions to Iraq, a country infested with terrorists.

The South Africans were arrested earlier this week in the Central Region for training the security detail of NPP flagbearer Nana Akufo-Addo.

The NPP has criticized the detention as alarmist.