The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticized the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) for their reaction to statements made by Ernest Frimpong, the aspiring parliamentary candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Amenfi East. Frimpong allegedly incited illegal miners to attack security officers preventing them from operating.
In a viral video, Mr. Frimpong is seen addressing miners at a meeting attended by the Regional Minister, where he encouraged them to beat anyone who confronts them. Following this, the GAF issued a statement urging the public to refrain from attacking soldiers, emphasizing that such actions would constitute a serious offense.
The NDC, however, believes the GAF’s response was too general. They argue that the GAF should have directly addressed Mr. Frimpong’s statements, especially considering that a military officer was attacked shortly after the video surfaced.
“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…cautioning the general public,” the NDC stated in a press release signed by Elikem Kotoko, Deputy National Organiser.
The NDC cautioned that the GAF risks losing respect if such incidents go unchecked. They emphasized the need to address the comments at their source to prevent tragedies like the one that befell the late Major Mahama.
“In the past eight (8) years, we have lost too many of your men to civilian actions and not at war fronts, this is disturbing. Mention can be made of… (1) Major Mahama in Upper Denkyira, (2) Private Sheriff in Ashaiman, (3) Lance Corporal Michael Danso in Kasoa,” the NDC cited.
