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The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has issued a statement in a response to a viral video of a New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for Amenfi East, Ernest Frimpong urging alleged ‘galamseyers’ to attack any military personnel or any member of the security service who tries to foil their illegal activities.

In the press release signed by the Director General, Public Relations, Brigadier General Aggrey-Quashie, the military high command stated that, calls made by people in power against the military poses a significant threat to the internal security of the country.

“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,” excerpts of the statement read.

The GAF assured the general public that the force is committed to performing their duties of safeguarding the country as well as protecting its citizens, upholding the tenets of discipline, professionalism, and observing the fundamental human rights of all and sundry.

“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.”

The GAF added that, any attack on any military officer is a grave offense which is punishable by law, thus, cautioning the public to desist from deliberately attacking officers, as it is becoming the normal practice amongst Ghanaians.

“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,” the statement said.


READ BELOW THE FULL PRESS RELEASE

Issued by the Department of Public Relations, General Headquarters, Burma Camp Accra

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