Military officers have the right to defend themselves – Ghana Armed Forces warns

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has cautioned the public against attacks on its officers.

GAF said in a statement that it has observed attempts by mobs to disarm military personnel on authorised duty as part of military support to the Ghana Police Service to restore law and order across the country in the just ended general elections.

The statement cautioned all and sundry that military personnel on authorized duty have the right to defend themselves, innocent civilians, and property, including the use of lethal force, if necessary to preserve life.

“GAF wishes to once again encourage all Ghanaians to exercise their civic rights responsibly, cooperate with security personnel and refrain from any acts that could disrupt the peace.

“GAF reiterates its commitment to safeguarding the stability and sovereignty of the nation.”

Irate youth of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have been attacking state institutions such as the Ghana National Gas Company Limited, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO). a development that has attracted condemnation from some persons in the party.

A leading member of the NDC Mr Kojo Twum Boafo told the youth that their conduct is not helpful to the president-elect John Dramani Mahama.

He told the youth that the NPP is the party known for this conduct, not the NDC therefore they should put a stop to this behaviour.

He said after news broke that the Military had been deployed to the head office of the Ghana National Gas Company Limited to disperse the irate youth of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) who besieged the premises on Tuesday, December 10.

TV3’s Godwin Asidiba who was at the scene reported that the irate youth created discomfort for residents of the area.

Mr Kojo Twum Boafo who is a resident of the area visited the scene to attempt to talk to the youth to stop their action.

He told Godwin Asidiba that “the youth are not helping president-elect Mahama with this kind of conduct. Let us not create more problems for him that he will resolve.

“Don’t emulate Abronye’s attitude. In 2016 Abronye of the NPP was chasing people seeing their cars and properties.. We understand your anger but don’t attack state installations.”

North Tongu lawmaker Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa also condemned the irate youth. He said that such conduct is not the character of the leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Dramani Mahama therefore it should stop.

Speaking on TV3 Tuesday, December 10, he said “if you are arrested don’t expect any of us to come and defend you because what you have done you don’t have our permission to do that.

“Our leader is a peaceful leader, and so you have to be law-abiding in celebration. Don’t take over state institutions.”

In a video, the youth were captured attempting to forcibly open the main gate to the premises. This action comes despite calls from NDC National Communications Officer Sammy Gyamfi for supporters to celebrate their victory in the presidential and parliamentary elections with moderation.

 

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