Dancehall artiste, Samini, has cautioned civilians against making comments that could escalate the situation in Ashaiman after a military ‘swoop’ in the area.
In a tweet shared on March 8, 2023, the musician stated that there is always an appropriate expression to defend an action or inaction hence, it is safer to not utter any remarks or take any action that could lead to any negative consequence.
He advised:
“What can a civilian say after this statement? Watch your mouth, my youth. There’s always the right terminology to justify an action or inaction, and that to condemn a reaction or rebellion… Know to which side you belong and act accordingly. Don’t fuel the fire; you can’t fight”.
Samini
Samini’s warning comes in the wake of a statement released by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) regarding their recent operation in Ashaiman after a military man was murdered.
The military high command confirmed that the operation was authorized in search of the killers of a young soldier, and not to brutalize residents of the township.
The GAF statement emphasized that their objective was to bring the perpetrators of the heinous crime to justice and not to retaliate against innocent civilians.
They also urged the public to cooperate with the military in their efforts to restore peace and security in the area.
How celebrities are reacting to military brutality at Ashaiman
On the back of the swoop by some military men carried out at Ashaiman in Accra on Tuesday following the murder of a young military officer identified as Trooper Imoro Sherif, many celebrities and the general public have taken to various social media platforms to express their disgust.
Trooper Imoro Sherif is reported to have been stabbed to death by some unidentified persons at Ashaiman, leading the military to storm the area to brutalize the residents.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) said in a statement while adding that they picked up about 184 suspects aged between 21 and 47 years old.
“GAF wishes to state categorically that the military operation, which was sanctioned by the Military High Command, was not to avenge the killing of the soldier but rather to fish out perpetrators of the heinous crime”.
GAF
These individuals, according to the statement, have since been handed over to the Military Police.
The Deputy Minister for Defence, Kwaku Amankwah Manu has stated that the government will not offer any apology for the presence of armed military men in Ashaiman.
According to him, while the government feels sorry for the alleged incidents of violence meted out to civilians during the operation, it is not in the books of the government to apologize for the operation which has been deemed by some critics as unlawful.
He told in an interview:
“I think that it is only proper that we admit where there are excesses and in operations of this nature, you may get one or two people who may get carried away and so I mean if decent, innocent residents of Ashaiman were caught up in these operations. I, in my capacity as the deputy Defence Minister, will want to apologize for that. That, of course, we will apologize, but my brother, we are not going to apologize for the operation”.
Kwaku Amankwah Manu
The development has triggered reactions from the general public with some condemning the act while others have mounted spirited defense for the military.
Some reactions from some celebrities are:
“The statement does not only confirm everything we’ve suspected; it was sanctioned by the top military brass. Zero consequences for the actions of the crass soldiers involved in this dastardly act. Aren’t such so-called swoops”?
“When does the military arrest and investigate crime? Whatever the nature of the crime, it’s not the Military’s job and they know it. The only reason that ill- prepared, inconsequential statement is out is because of the public outrage. It was a revenge attack! Own up to it…”.
Bridget_Otto
“We beg for Peace and calm in #Ashaiman. RIP to the young soldier. Regardless of the circumstances be it over money or love, no man has the right to take another man’s life. Blood on your hands till you meet karma”.
Samini
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