Security Expert Dr Adam Bonaa has criticized the Ghana Armed Forces for trying to be politically correct even in the face of eminent aggression against its officers. Dr Adam Bonaa who was speaking on TV3’s Ghana Tonight on June 10, 2024, said the statement by the GAF was vague and exposed its officers to attacks.
He was reacting to a statement issued by GAF in response to a social media video of NPP’s Amenfi East Parliamentary Candidate, Ernest Frimpong, inciting illegal miners to fight military officers who would attempt to stop them from committing the act.
Ernest Frimpong in the video which also captured Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah as part of the gathering told illegal miners that the Ghana Armed Forces has no right to stop them from illegal mining. He said the government has taken the mandate from GAF so if any illegal miner is stopped by GAF officers, they should fight back.
Also, he assured that illegal miners that he together with the Amenfi East MCE and the Western Regional Minister would protect them so they can continue their illegal operations.
However, a statement from GAF said it “has taken note of viral videos on social media calling for attacks on soldiers and other security personnel,” adding that “We strongly, wish to caution the public against such utterances.”
GAF added that such calls are “not only unlawful but also pose a significant threat to the security and stability of our nation. We therefore condemn any form of incitement or encouragement of violence against our soldiers.”
However, Adam Bonaa said the statement did not mean anything more than a “politically correct” statement which has left its officers exposed to possible attacks.
“I was expecting that action should be taken, better late than never, but I think the statement Ghana Armed Forces statement should’ve been more specific to address the concerns,” Adam Bonaa criticized the GAF statement.
He added that the military looked more politically correct in their statement than protective of its men and women.
“It looks like probably we are having an armed force that is trying to be politically correct even when an individual or some people have incited galamseyers [illegal miners] to attack their men and women in uniform.
“I am not sure what their statement is purporting to do because I am expecting any Armed Force all over the world to be more specific and clear by sending specific warnings to individuals who would have issued that threat especially when we are seeing videos of a soldier who has been butchered. I don’t know why the Armed Forces decided to issue a politically correct statement,” Adam Bonaa stated.
PRESS RELEASE
Issued by the Department of Public Relations, General Headquarters, Burma Camp Accra
Tel: +233-544338030 Release No: 39 Date: 10 June 2024
GAF CAUTIONS AGAINST CALLS FOR ATTACKS ON SOLDIERS
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has taken note of viral videos on social media calling for attacks on soldiers and other security personnel. We strongly, wish to caution the public against such utterances.
It is instructive to note that such calls are not only unlawful but also pose a significant threat to the security and stability of our nation. We therefore condemn any form of incitement or encouragement of violence against our soldiers.
We wish to assure all and sundry GAF will continue to perform its duties of safeguarding the security of the state and protection of civilians. It is also crucial to understand that personnel of GAF and sister security agencies are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights in the execution of their duties. In a situation where a soldier misconducts him/herself, the soldier should be reported to the nearest police station or military barracks for the appropriate disciplinary action to be taken.
It is important to note, soldiers like any individuals, have the right to self-defense when faced with imminent threats or attacks that pose a danger to their lives or the lives of others. In situations where soldiers are confronted with immediate threats or acts of violence, they are allowed to use necessary and proportionate force to protect themselves and others. It must be noted that the outcome of such avoidable confrontations may be unpleasant and dire.
It is against this premise that GAF wishes to remind and caution the public that assaulting or attacking soldiers is a grave offense punishable by law. It implores all citizens to respect, cooperate and support our soldiers and to refrain from engaging in acts of violence or incitement against them. Once again, GAF wishes to reiterate its commitment to upholding the values of professionalism, integrity and service to the nation.
We will continue to cooperate with sister security agencies to protect and defend Ghana’s interests while respecting the rights and dignity of all citizens. GAF operates an open-door policy and therefore wishes to encourage the public to channel their concerns or grievances through the Department of Public Relations of the Ghana Armed Forces.
E AGGREY-QUASHIE
Brigadier General
Director General Public Relations