Bright Ernest Akomea, popularly known as ‘Double’ has revealed that he was given only three weeks training after being employed as a National Security operative.
He disclosed this when he appeared before the Emile Short Commission of Inquiry probing incidents of violence which occurred during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election on January 31, 2019.
Double’s name came up earlier when Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam George took his turn before the Commission to also testify.
Mr. George identified Double as one of the men who were part of the security personnel at the La Bawaleshie during the by-election when he was manhandled.
The MP also alleged that he knew Double, and that he was part of pro-NPP vigilante group, Invisible Force.
But testifying before the Commission, Double said although he knew the MP, the MP did not know him prior to the by-election as he told the Commission.
Double who was speaking through an interpreter said he met Sam George after the by-election, and that he even had to introduce himself to the MP.
On the issue of whether he was a member of the Invisible Force, Double denied the allegation by Sam George, stating that he only works for the National Security.
He said applied and was recruited into the National Security in 2017, and was on duty as a security operative on the day of the by-election.
Double noted that prior to joining the National Security he worked as a phone dealer.
“I work with the National Security Council as an operative. I have been working with them for almost two years. I used to sell mobile phones at Circle.
“In 2017, I heard that the National Security was recruiting, and I applied for the job. I went for vetting and my finger prints were taken. I underwent training at Asutsuare for three weeks. We learned how to read the map, how to speak through…,pound to pound combat and small weapon training,” Double said through an interpreter.
According to Double, he is usually stationed at the Kotoka International Airport to discharge his duties as an operative, but he was called a day before the by-election to work with the team in charge of ensuring security at the polling station.
This he said is not new, and that he has once been called for assignments outside his duties at the Airport whenever the need arises.
By Irene Amesimeku|3news.com |Ghana