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Wa West lawmaker Peter Lanchene Toobu has criticized the Ghana Armed Forces (GFA) for the ‘soft’ manner in which they responded to the comments inciting illegal small-scale miners to attack its men.
In the view of the retired Police officer, the language of the GAF in the statement is not military.
Speaking on the Sunrise show with Johnnie Hughes on 3FM on Tuesday, June 11, he said “Today I call him galamsey president because lie has been broken and this presidency is deep down in the it of the galamsey.
“It is so embarrassing, today we hear a parliamentary candidate of the NPP makes a damning statement that the powers given to the people by law to go on operations and ensure that the law works that we are fighting galamsey and the president has put his presidency on the line but a parliamentary candidate of the same party comes to say we are taking those powers away from the soldiers and the police.
“What an effrontery, I was really disgusted reading the press statement from the GAF… that is not the military language, you have to name and shame.
“You cannot be blunt on this? Is it because it is behind the scenes a government policy to tone down the fight against galamsey because the election is coming?”
The GAF had cautioned the public against utterances that incite the public against the military.
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.
IT IS ILLEGAL FOR A SOLDIER TO ARREST YOU FOR DOING ‘GALAMSEY’ – NPP PC TELLS ILLEGAL MINERS
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
“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,” portions of the statement 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
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.
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
Source:3news.com
