by myjoyonline.com
Security forces in the Ashanti Region say they have defused a 'powerful explosive' found in the vicinity of the deputy Ashanti Regional Minister Andy Osei Okrah's residence in Kumasi.
Luv FM's Erastus Asare Donkor reported the planted explosive was close to the National Security Data Centre which is located at Danyame, a suburb of Kumasi.
At least, 15 security operatives made up of military officers, armed police and national security officers have taken control of the area searching other likely explosives.
Ashanti Regional Minister Alexander Ackon explained to Mamavi Aboagye on AM Show on Joy News channel on MultiTV Tuesday that the explosive was in the form of a cylinder with a timer attached to it.
Narrating what happened, the Minister said the police officer on duty at Mr Okrah's residence, Lance Corporal Isaac Bukari told him that some two men on a motorbike approached him [Lance corporal Bukari] and asked about someone he had no knowledge about.
The police officer reportedly said just before he could get close to them, they threw a cylinder-like material on the ground and sped.
Even though It is not clear the target of the explosive device, the Minister suspects a political machination by his opponents.
"Obviously you don't need a conclusion to say that there is a huge foul play," he said, adding he does not have the full detail because the whole place has been sealed for investigations.
"I would wish that when they open up the area I will get the full detail."
"You don't want me to go to the political domain because that is not what we are looking immediate at but the reality of the situation is that it has happened," he told Joy News.
Meanwhile, a Regional Security (REGSEC) meeting has been called to consider the circumstances under which the incident happened.
The meeting would also explore other security measures in the region ahead of the December 7 polls.
To read the full piece from myjoyonline.com, click here.