Accra: "No one can intimidate me" – Nana Addo's security chief

Captain Edmund Koda (Rtd), the head of the security detail for flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Nana Akufo-Addo has said that he will continue to discharge his duties without fear or favour within the ambit of the law. According to Captain Koda, the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) interference in his work is an infringement on his rights, but he will not be intimidated. Capt Koda was speaking a day after the detention in BNI cells of Kwadwo Kyeremeh and Malik Neequaye, personal photographer and bodyguard respectively, of Nana Akufo-Addo Tuesday afternoon for refusing to fill some forms against the advice of their lawyers.

They were released hours later without reason. A calm Koda, speaking on radio, indicated that it was just the latest attempt to stop him from diligently discharging his duties but such attempts will fail.

 “Why should you go ahead and arrest people I bring as witnesses to take back my items. They always want to paint a bad picture about me but all I can say is that I am never fearful and so they should allow me to do my work” he stated.

A statement issued by the party said the two were detained for refusing to fill "Personality Profile" form given them by the BNI, insisting they had done no wrong to have their particulars taken. The pair had accompanied Captain Koda, to the offices of the BNI, where items taken from the residence of Captain Koda were to be returned to him.

Some 2 weeks ago, the BNI indicated to Captain Koda that the items taken from his residence were to be returned to him, on condition that he brought along the two witnesses who were present when the items were taken. Upon arrival at the BNI office, the two were asked to fill out “Personality Profile” forms – forms reserved for suspects – after which the items will be released.

 The two indicated to the BNI officers that they would have to consult their lawyers since they were only present, merely, to witness the return of items taken by the BNI. After consultation with their lawyer, Nana Asante Bediatuo, they were advised not to fill out the “Personality Profile” forms, but should only ‘witness’, through the provision of their names and signature, on the document containing the list of the items that were to be returned.

Captain Koda in an interview questioned why the opposition leader cannot have a security detail if the president is always seen with his security detail. “The same way Mahama is surrounded by his security detail, it’s the same way Nana Addo also has his security protecting him,” he insisted.

Meanwhile, the two have been released. Captain Koda who confirmed their release said “They called me around 11pm for me to come for them, but I refused and told them they are not children, so they should release them and they would find their way to their houses”.