The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has said soldiers, like any individuals, have the right to self-defense when threatened or attacked in a manner that poses danger to their lives and that of others.
It says its soldiers will therefore protect themselves whenever such threats come their way. A statement issued by the GAF and signed by its Director General of Public Relations, Brigadier General Eric Aggrey-Quashie Monday, June 10, 2024, contained the comments.
“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 warned.
This comes on the back of a viral video on social media which shows the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Amenfi East, Ernest Frimpong, urging illegal miners, otherwise known as ‘galamseyers’, to attack any military officer that attempts to stop them from their illegality.
In the said meeting which the Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, was present, the NPP PC asked the illegal miners to fight any military or security officer who attempts to stop them from mining since government has taken that power away from the military.
He went on to say that he, Ernest Frimpong, together with the Amenfi East MCE and the Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, will ensure they are protected for the work they do, telling them to report any challenge they encounter on their respective sites to them.
‘I, Regional Minister and MCE will protect you from soldiers – NPP PC to ‘galamsey’ operators
Meanwhile, the Aggrey-Quashie-signed document indicates that an attack on a soldier and any other security officer as a matter of fact is a crime.
Find below the full release
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
