By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The Russian Embassy in Ghana has denied any knowledge or involvement with the leaders of the alleged pro-Russia Wagner mercenary group who were arrested by the police in Takoradi, in the Western Region.
The Russian Embassy, in a statement on its X page, formerly Twitter, rejected claims of being involved in the spreading of Russian flags, shirts, and placards among the protestors.
It further stated that it has no contact with the possible sponsors of the group.
“It must be emphasised that the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Ghana, as well as the other government agencies, have no connections to the above-mentioned unauthorised gathering.
Moreover, upon receipt in August of information about a public action being plotted, the Embassy immediately appealed to Ghana Police and warned about the possible organisation of the rally with the use of the national symbols of the Russian Federation.
It should be noted that the Embassy was not involved neither in spreading of Russian flags, shirts, placards, etc. among the protestors nor in establishing any contacts with the possible sponsors of this unrest, including those from abroad,” Portions of the statement read.
The Russian Embassy said it is hopeful that the security agencies will take the necessary measures to identify the perpetrators, adding that, the law will eventually take its course.
“The Embassy is confident that the Ghanaian law enforcement bodies will take the necessary measures to identify all those involved in this incident, and the court will take appropriate decisions to bring them to justice,” the embassy said.
However, the Western Regional Police Command had begun prosecuting the three men arrested in Diabene in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, who are suspected of having ties to Russia’s Wagner mercenary group.
The arrest follows a public durbar organised by the youth, who were seen wearing and showing the flags of Wagner and Russia.
The suspects have been identified as Evans, 25, Michael Asiedu, 23, and Ernest Asiedu, 26.
With the help of an alleged sponsor from Australia, the three boys mobilised about 20 youths to launch a military group on the Diabene community park. However, the police arrested them following a tip-off.
Attached is the full statement:
ATTENTION❗️❗️❗️ pic.twitter.com/HbMmA5YZc6
— Russian Embassy in Ghana (@RusEmbGhanaEng) September 20, 2023
