Security Analyst, Adam Bonaa has called on the Ghana Armed Forces to immediately retract their cautionary message directed at the general public regarding attacks on the military and security personnel.
Instead, Bonaa insists the warning should be specifically addressed to Ernest Frimpong, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Amenfi East, who has allegedly been inciting illegal miners to confront military personnel.
Bonaa’s remarks come in response to a recent incident where Frimpong reportedly urged ‘galamseyers’ a term for illegal miners to attack any military officers attempting to halt their operations.
The comments were made in the presence of Western Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, who did not intervene.
“It’s worrying to witness that the NPP Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, did and said nothing when his parliamentary candidate at Amenfi East, Ernest Frimpong, urged ‘galamseyers’ to attack any military officer that attempts to stop them from their illegality,” Bonaa stated.
He expressed concern over the apparent endorsement of illegal activities by the silence of the Regional Minister, who subsequently announced the disbandment of ‘galam-stop’ and ‘vanguard’ operations aimed at curbing illegal mining.
Bonaa emphasized that the general public should not be blamed for the actions incited by Frimpong although he understands how this statement by the NPP politicians might lead to the growing fear among security personnel for their lives.
“Where we have gotten to, you can see the security personnel are afraid. I suggest they pull their caution against the public and direct their message directly to Ernest Frimpong and the Regional Minister.”
“It is important to note, soldiers like any individual, have the right to self-defence 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,” portion of GAF’s statement implying security personnel retaliation and self-defence against public attacks.
By Lois Dogbe
