Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations and Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, popularly known as Sam George, has met with the Minister for Defence and the Military High Command following concerns over a joint military and police operation in his constituency that left several residents assaulted and three others with gunshot wounds.
The meeting, which also brought together the Chief of Defence Staff and the three Service Commanders, focused on remarks Hon Sam George made in a video addressing his constituents after last Tuesday’s incident.
The discussions followed concerns raised by the military leadership about portions of the video, with the MP maintaining that his criticism was directed at the conduct of personnel involved rather than the Ghana Armed Forces as an institution.
“My concern was, and remains, the conduct of the personnel involved in the incident and the harm my constituents suffered.”
Samuel Nartey George, MP for Ningo-Prampram and Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations
In a statement following the meeting, Hon. Sam George described the engagement as frank and cordial. He said he had clarified the intention behind his earlier remarks and welcomed the Chief of Defence Staff’s commitment to examine the incident.
Sam George Clarifies Remarks to Military High Command
Hon. Sam George disclosed that the Military High Command had raised concerns about portions of a video in which he addressed residents of Ningo-Prampram after the operation.
He explained that his comments were never intended as an attack on the Ghana Armed Forces, an institution he holds in high regard. He also acknowledged how his remarks had been received by members of the wider Army fraternity.
The Communications Minister further indicated that he had expressed understanding of the concerns raised by the military leadership and agreed to work more closely with the Defence Minister in handling similar situations in the future.
His clarification comes amid concerns surrounding the conduct of security personnel during the operation, which reportedly resulted in physical assaults on several residents and gunshot injuries to three others.
However, Hon. Sam George maintained that his responsibility as the constituency’s elected representative required him to speak up whenever the welfare and rights of his constituents were at stake.
Chief of Defence Staff Pledges Thorough Inquiry
A major outcome of the engagement, according to Hon. Sam George, was the Chief of Defence Staff’s commitment to open an inquiry into the incident. The MP welcomed the assurance, expressing confidence that the process would be thorough and that its findings would be made public.
The proposed inquiry is expected to address concerns surrounding the operation, particularly the conduct of personnel involved and the injuries reportedly suffered by residents.
Hon. Sam George did not disclose the specific terms of reference, the composition of any investigative team, or the timeline for completing the process. He also did not provide further details about the circumstances that led to the reported assaults and gunshot injuries.
Nevertheless, his position places accountability for the conduct of personnel at the centre of the matter, while recognising the importance of protecting the reputation of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Sam George Calls for Cooperation to Protect Residents’ Rights
Hon Sam George expressed appreciation to the Defence Minister for intervening swiftly and facilitating the meeting with the military leadership.
He indicated that he looked forward to working with the Defence Minister and the Military High Command to protect the rights of Ningo-Prampram residents while preserving the integrity and public image of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The statement reflects his effort to maintain engagement with the military leadership while continuing to demand accountability for the incident. For the MP, the protection of residents and respect for the Armed Forces are not competing objectives.
He expressed the expectation that the inquiry would help address the concerns surrounding the operation without undermining the institution. “I urge my constituents to remain calm, cooperate fully with the investigation, and allow the process to run its course,” he appealed.
His call for calm comes as the military leadership prepares to examine the conduct of personnel involved in the operation. The findings are expected to provide clarity on the concerns raised by residents and the circumstances surrounding the reported injuries.
Accountability and Military Relations in Focus
The engagement between Hon Sam George, the Defence Minister, and the Military High Command marks an effort to address the disagreement through direct institutional dialogue.
While the MP has clarified that his remarks were not intended to disparage the Ghana Armed Forces, he has maintained that the conduct of personnel during the Ningo-Prampram operation must be scrutinised.
The Chief of Defence Staff’s commitment to an inquiry is therefore a key development. Hon Sam George expects the process to be thorough and its findings communicated publicly.
For residents affected by the operation, the exercise presents an opportunity for their concerns to receive formal attention. Its outcome could also clarify the conduct of security personnel and the circumstances that led to the reported injuries.
Hon Sam George has pledged to work with the military leadership, while maintaining that the rights of his constituents must be protected. The outcome will be important in determining whether the concerns raised by residents are adequately addressed and in restoring confidence among the affected community.
READ ALSO: Mahama-Burnham Talks Push Ghana-UK Partnership for Growth Forward
