The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed strong disapproval of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) response to a viral video featuring Ernest Frimpong, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Amenfi East, who allegedly incited illegal miners (galamsayers) to attack soldiers patrolling mining sites.
In a statement issued by Comrade Elikem Kotoko, the Deputy National Organizer of the National Democratic Congress, the party condemned the GAF’s press release (No. 39, dated June 10, 2024), authored by Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie.
Mr Kotoko strongly chastised the Ghana Armed Forces of failing to directly address and denounce Mr Ernest Frimpong’s inflammatory remarks, suggesting that the omission signals potential political bias and undermines the military’s authority and impartiality.
“It was in this video that Mr. Ernest Frimpong charged the galamsayers to attack any officer who visits their sites to halt their activities. In less than 72 hours after the video of Ernest Frimpong surfaced, there was news of an attack by miners on a soldier in Wassa Akyempim which then triggered your release No. 39 dated June 10, 2024.
“It was therefore expected that you, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) would have been unambiguous in condemning the video which is presumed to have given fodder to those who attacked one of your men”.
Comrade Elikem Kotoko, Deputy National Organiser, NDC
Key Points of the NDC’s Statement
Among several immediate demands, the National Democratic Congress Deputy National Organizer urged the Ghana Armed Forces to unambiguously condemn Mr Ernest Frimpong, whose statements allegedly encouraged illegal miners to assault soldiers.
Mr Kotoko vehemently chastised the Ghana Armed Forces for cautioning the general public instead of directly addressing the incitement comment made by the New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary candidate for the Amenfi East Constituency, Ernest Frimpong.
Again, Mr Kotoko accused the Ghana Armed Forces of political compromise, insinuating that the GAF’s reluctance to name Mr Ernest Frimpong in its statement is influenced by his affiliation with the ruling New Patriotic Party, which also counts the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, President Nana Akufo-Addo, as a member.
Furthermore, the Deputy National Organizer of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Comrade Elikem Kotoko warned that the GAF’s perceived timidity could erode public respect for the military and pose a future threat to national security.
He cited past tragic incidents, such as the deaths of Major Mahama, Private Imoro Sherrif, and Lance Corporal Michael Danso, to highlight the dangers of not addressing civilian attacks on soldiers decisively.
“To promote the peace, security and safety of citizens you spelt out in your release, be bold, firm, objective and fair in the discharge of your duties as enshrined in the 1992 constitution.
“We have had other Commanders-in-Chief of the Ghanaian Armed Forces (GAF) and the institution never sunk this low: soldiers are not cowards, they are bold, fearless and at all times disciplined. You must hold these virtue in high esteem at all times regardless of which political party is in power”.
Comrade Elikem Kotoko, Deputy National Organiser, NDC
In a passionate call to action, the National Democratic Congress Deputy National Organizer urged the Ghana Armed Forces to exhibit boldness and discipline by directly cautioning and holding Ernest Frimpong accountable for his comments.
He emphasized the importance for the Ghana Armed Forces to formally report the incident to the police to demonstrate its commitment to the rule of law.
With the December 2024 general election approaching, Mr Kotoko stressed the urgency of addressing such inflammatory rhetoric to prevent potential civilian-military confrontations and maintain national peace and security.
He reminded the Ghana Armed Forces of its long-standing reputation for discipline and courage, urging the institution to uphold these values regardless of political pressures.
Mr Kotoko particularly expressed grave concern over the safety of junior rank soldiers, who have suffered the most from civilian violence and vowed to seek justice for them if the Ghana Armed Forces fail to act.
He concluded by announcing the National Democratic Congress’s plans to lodge an official complaint with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to hold the New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary candidate for the Amenfi East Constituency, Ernest Frimpong accountable for his alleged comment inciting the public against the military.
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