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Political-pressure group, the Young Patriots, wants National Security Coordinator, Col. Larry Gbevlo-Lartey (Retired) to step aside for investigations to be conducted into his alleged linkage with the security chief at Kotoka International Airport (KIA), Mr. Samuel Adelaquqye, who is facing charges related to illicit drugs trade in the US. The group, in a statement issued today, demanded a thorough investigation to be carried out on the national security coordinator, Sohin Secuirty and its CEO to salvage the image of Ghana and especially for Mr Gbevlo Lartey�s own reputation. Below is a copy of the statement issued by the Young Patriots INVESTIGATE GEBVLO LARTEY�S LINKAGE TO NDC DRUG BARON The Young Patriots wish to add our voice to the call for investigations into the activities of Sohin Security Company Ltd and its CEO Mr Solomon Adelaquaye. We however, call on President Mahama to extend that investigation to include Mr Larry Gbevlo Lartey. Our reasons are as follows: 1. Mr Solomon Adelaquaye, it is alleged to be a very close pal of Mr Larry Gbevlo Lartey the National Security Coordinator, whose outfit and person was responsible for the selection of the company to take charge of security. If this friendship is true, there is a clear case of conflict of interest as this award would have been as a result of cronyism and nepotism than competence. 2. Due to the alleged relationship between the two, Mr Lartey and his outfit could have failed to do due diligence to ascertain the background of the CEO in terms of experience in the security sector, his criminal record if any, his activities and background, which would have saved Ghana the embarrassment we are going through. 3. The other possibility is that Mr Adelaquaye and Sohin security could have been chosen purposely for their experience in drug trafficking, if the national security apparatus and Mr Lartey wished to use the institution to traffic drug. This is because the company is alleged not to have prior experience in security. On what basis were they selected? 4. Was there a national competitive bidding? When was this publicised as required by the procurement act? And was the selection open and transparent? 5. What is the interest of Mr Sam Pee Yalley in all this to jump to the defence of Mr Lartey, when no one has directly accused Mr Lartey of being involved? And why will Mr Yalley warn of National Security consequences if Mr Lartey is linked to this case? Does Mr Yalley know something the rest of us don�t? And does the personal interest of one person supersede the national interest? We wish to appeal to the President, that for the image of Ghana and especially for Mr Gbevlo Lartey�s own reputation, a thorough investigation be carried out on the national security coordinator, Sohin Secuirty and its CEO and the President should let the chips fall where they may if anyone is found culpable. In the meantime, we request that Mr Lartey step down as National Security Coordinator whilst investigations continue, this will ensure he does not interfere with evidence, nor hamper the process. God bless our home land Ghana. SIGNED Richard Nyamah Hopeson Adorye Fred Amankwah Sarfo John Kumah