The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) for its response to the viral video of Ernest Frimpong, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP hopeful’s alleged inciting attacks against officers patrolling illegal mining sites.
Despite the GAF’s statement advising the public to refrain from attacking soldiers, the NDC expected a more direct response to the Amenfi East MP aspirant’s actions, especially after an officer was attacked following the video’s release.
“Unless the GAF, once the most disciplined and revered institution in Ghana, has become compromised along political lines, one wonders why Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie (Director General, Public Relations) would conceal the detail of calling out the person(s) in the viral video and warning them directly instead of displaying cowardice by cautioning the general public,” the NDC stated in a press release.
The NDC warned that the Armed Forces risk losing respect, posing a future danger for the country if such incidents continue unchecked.
The party stressed the importance of addressing the comments at their source and reporting threats to relevant authorities like the police to avoid tragedies, referencing the unfortunate Major Mahama incident.
“Rather than spending time cautioning the general public in your five-paragraph release on information they already know, be bold, confident, courageous, and assertively stern in calling out and cautioning Mr. Ernest Frimpong. He called for the attacks on your men, not the general public.”
The NDC also urged the GAF to demonstrate its commitment to the rule of law and due process by lodging a report with the police if it has not already done so.
As the elections approach, the NDC emphasised the need to address these red flags to prevent civilian-military confrontations and promote peace and unity.
The controversy stems from a viral video in which Ernest Frimpong is seen allegedly advising individuals believed to be illegal miners to resist military officers patrolling the area. Frimpong admitted to being the person in the video but denied engaging with illegal miners, claiming he was speaking to miners in the community.
Meanwhile, Mr Frimpong has retracted his comment. He, however, expressed the view that his comment was taken out of context.
After the video went viral, the Ghana Armed Forces cautioned individuals to desist from inciting the public to attack soldiers in the course of performing their duty.
According to the security service, calls for such attacks on soldiers are unlawful and pose a threat to security and stability.
Also, the release said soldiers also have a right to self-defense therefore if people decide to attack soldiers, they might end up getting hurt themselves.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
