The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has asked the Ghana Armed Forces’ (GAF) to holistically address the incitement of illegal miners otherwise known as ‘galamseyers’ against the military.
The party says such actions, if not duly dealt with, can potentially destabilise the country with the “make or break” election come this December.
According to the NDC, it would have been better to address its Monday, June 10, 2024 statement directly to Ernest Frimpong, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Amenfi East, for calling on galamseyers to fight the military or any security officer who attempts to stop them from carrying out their activities.
The GAF had issued a statement cautioning the public not to make comments to incite people against the military since the soldiers initiation of self-defense in such instances could have dire consequences.
The caution followed a viral video on social media where one Ernest Frimpong, the Parliamentary Candidate of the New Patriotic Party for Amenfi East of the Western Region, told galamseyers to attack any military or security officer who attempts stopping them from doing galamsey.
He urged them to initiate reprisal attacks on the military, promising them that himself, the MCE and the Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, who was present at the meeting, will always protect them.
A statement signed by Brigadier General Eric Aggrey-Quashie, Director General, Public Relations of the GAF, cautioned the general public to refrain from attacking the military or inciting others against them since it is a crime.
A military officer was attacked by miners at Wassa Akyempim in the Western Region, less than 72 hours after the video of Ernest Frimpong surfaced.
This, is what the NDC says it is disappointed in the leadership of the military for not hitting the nail right on the head.
In a statement signed by its Deputy National Organiser, Elikem Kotoko Monday, June 10, 2024, the NDC stated that “Ghana is preparing for major elections come December 07, 2024 which obviously is a “make or break” for the country and its citizens because the nation’s progress is at stake, if such red flags are not nipped in the bud now, it foretells future danger and will encourage civilian-military confrontations, which is something we as citizens abhor.”
The party chastised the military for addressing its caution statement to the general public instead of directing it at the persons who were found in the video.
“Unless the GAF, once the most disciplined and revered institution in Ghana has become compromised along political lines, one wonders WHY the author of your release, Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie (Director General, Public Relations) will conceal the detail of calling out the person(s) found in the viral video and warning them directly instead of displaying cowardice by rather cautioning the general public.”
It went on to say that: “As a responsible state institution, nowhere did you indicate that you have lodged a report at the relevant authority, in this case the Police, and if you indeed have not done that yet, please do. It demonstrates your commitment to the rule of law, due processes and the respect for same.
“To promote the peace, security and safety of citizens you spelt out in your release, be bold, firm, objective and fair in the discharge of your duties as enshrined in the 1992 constitution. We have had other Commanders-in-Chief of the Ghanaian Armed Forces (GAF) and the institution never sunk this low: soldiers are not cowards, they are bold, fearless and at all times disciplined. You must hold these virtue in high esteem at all times regardless of which political party is in power.
“In the past eight (8) years we have lost too many of your men to civilian actions and not at war fronts, this is disturbing. Mention can be made of… I) Major Mahama in Upper Denkyira II) Private Imoro Sherrif in Ashaiman iii) Lance Corporal Michael Danso in Kasoa.”
Kotoko also disclosed the NDC’s intention to take the matter up and report Ernest Frimpong to the CID if the military leadership fails to do so and seek justice for the young military officer who was attacked as a result of the NPP PC’s incitement.
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