Gitmos upkeep: US apologises for cost-sharing comments

Europa

January 15, 2016 11:58 AM

Daniel Fennel had earlier told Accra-based TV3 that Ghana will be bearing part of the cost for the upkeep of the two ex-Guantanamo detainees who will be staying in Ghana for two years.

The head of press information at the US Embassy in Ghana, Daniel Fennell has said that he erred in his announcement that Ghana and the US will be sharing the cost for the upkeep of the two former Guantanamo Bay detainees.

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

"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.

" 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," he said.

His comments appeared to be a contradiction to earlier comments by Ghana government that the US would be paying for the full cost for the upkeep of Mahmud Umar Muhammad Bin Atef and Khalid Muhammad Salih Al-Dhuby.

But, deputy communication minister, Felix Kwakye-Ofosu, in a sharp rebuttal insisted that Ghana would not be bearing the cost of accommodation, feeding and transportation for the two former terror suspects.

The head of press information at the US Embassy in Ghana, Daniel Fennell subsequently apologised for his earlier comments.

“The United States is providing costs support for all of the housing and support for the detainees that have come to Ghana. So the Minister is absolutely correct. If I made a contrary statement it is my error and I apologise for any confusion,” he told Accra-based Joy FM.

"The Ghanaian Government is absolutely correct. We are providing the support to allow for the transfer [of the detainees] to be successful," Daniel Fennell added.

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