US Official Contradicts Ghana Gov't...

It has emerged that Ghana will be bearing part of the cost for the upkeep of the two terror suspects who will be staying in Ghana for two years.

Head of press information at the US Embassy in Ghana Daniel Fennell told host of TV3 Hot Issues Kwasi Pratt that the cost of the upkeep for the two suspects is a shared responsibility by the two countries.

"We are contributing some money towards that and the government of Ghana is making all the arrangements and taking care of them," Fennell said.

When pressed further by the host about whether thegovernment of Ghana is indeed paying for the upkeep, a surprised Fennel retorted: "Is that so difficult to imagine that Ghana would pay for something that is happening in Ghana? I think it is laudable we should be proud of Ghana."

When he was asked about who was paying for the security and monitoring of these detainees while in Ghana, the head of the press information said " It is think it is a shared expense. The government of Ghana under the constitution is responsible for the security of everything in Ghana. So they are keeping track of it; they are better at it; they  are smart and we think they are doing an excellent job."

While claiming that the two detainees are low risk to Ghana's security, he was quick to add, "there is an old expression that we would want to exhibit trust but we also want to verify" he comment which provoked a spontaneous laughter from the host.

Danny Fennel's comments contradict the information provided to the Ghanaian by government spokespersons.

The Deputy Communications Minister Felix Ofosu Kwakye who was first to speak to the matter said government of Ghana had not taken any money from the US to accept these ex-detainees.

He however indicated that the only payment from the US will be for the upkeep of the detainees, insisting all expenses will be borne by the US government.