Editor-in-chief of the New Crusading Guide Newspaper, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako is baffled at the ‘noise being made by the Minority in Parliament over the continuous stay in the country of the two Guatanamo Bay detainees.
According to him, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) have no moral right after granting two Yemenis – Mahmud Umar Muhammad Bin Atef and Khalid Muhammed Salih Al-Dhuby refugee status prior to the expiration of their stay in Ghana.
The two were granted refugee status by the erstwhile Mahama administration just months after they were transferred to Ghana by the United States Government following a said agreement.
What had made the issue murkier is the fact that the government seems unable to make or take any actions towards the repatriation of the two from the country.
When Foreign Minister made the revelation in Parliament, it took the Majority and Ghanaians by surprise as they were working assiduously to send them to another country.
But the Minority led by Bawku Central Member of Parliament, Mahama Ayariga insists the refugee status granted Bin Atef and Al-Dhuby will expire in August thus government can make any change if they so wish.
But on Peace FM’s morning show ‘Kokrokoo’ Wednesday, Kweku Baako said Mr. Ayariga who made the revelations seems to have gotten the interpretation wrong.
“Refugee status cannot expire. Perhaps what he meant was that their travel documents will expire and that will expire in August” he stressed.
The veteran journalist explained that the refugee status is distinct since there are two different things people should not confuse it.
Mr Baako criticized the previous government’s appointees’ commentary on the issue, especially when it all began with them.
“They are walking into quicksand,” he said, adding “if I were them, I’ll keep quiet on this matter. They have no case.”
