Security analyst, Colonel Festus Aboagye (Retired), has firmly dismissed a news article published on Opera News, which claimed he criticized former President John Mahama’s national security appointments as unconstitutional.
Colonel Aboagye clarified that the report is entirely unfounded and misrepresents his views. He emphasized that he has never made such statements regarding Mahama’s appointments and urged the public to disregard the misinformation.
The retired officer expressed concern over the spread of false narratives and called for responsible journalism, urging media outlets to verify facts before publication.
“ This article is a fabrication and a deliberate attempt to misconstrue my ideas and views on recent discussions I have had in the media.
“I have never made any such statements, and I urge the public to disregard all attributions made in the article”.
Colonel Festus Aboagye
Colonel Aboagye elaborated on his stance, emphasizing that his criticism was not directed at the specific national security appointments made by former President Mahama, but rather at the broader, systemic issues related to the recruitment and deployment of certain security operatives.
He expressed serious concerns about the lack of transparency in the processes by which these operatives were selected, trained, and armed.
According to Colonel Aboagye, these practices contravene constitutional provisions that mandate transparency, accountability, and oversight in matters of national security.
He argued that the secretive nature of these operations not only undermines public trust but also poses significant risks to the rule of law and democratic governance.
He highlighted the potential dangers of arming individuals without proper oversight, which could lead to abuse of power and a lack of accountability within the security sector.
Colonel Aboagye called for a thorough review and reform of the recruitment and training processes to ensure they align with constitutional principles.
He urged policymakers, security agencies, and civil society to work together to promote transparency and uphold the rule of law in all aspects of national security.
Accordingly, his remarks were a call to action for greater accountability and adherence to democratic norms, stressing that such measures are essential for maintaining the integrity and credibility of the country’s security apparatus.
Call for Security Reform to Tackle Bawku Conflict
Furthermore, Colonel Festus Aboagye expressed his expectation that the incoming administration would take immediate steps to rectify the issues within the national security apparatus.
He urged the new government to “clean up” the system by addressing the non-transparent and unconstitutional practices that had developed over time.
This would involve restoring the security sector to its constitutionally mandated framework, ensuring that all operations are conducted in accordance with the rule of law and democratic principles.
“I remain committed to providing accurate and constructive commentary on national security matters and will continue to do so with integrity and respect for the truth”.
Colonel Festus Aboagye
Colonel Aboagye further emphasized the urgency of putting Ghana’s security outfit in order , particularly in light of the critical security challenges facing the nation, such as the ongoing conflict in Bawku.
He called on the new administration to swiftly address any operational gaps left by the departure of previous personnel, ensuring that the security forces are adequately prepared and equipped to tackle the conflict effectively.
He highlighted the importance of a well-structured and constitutionally compliant security system in maintaining peace and stability, especially in conflict-prone areas.
By restoring transparency and accountability, the security forces would be better positioned to carry out their mandate and fulfill the directives of the President in resolving pressing security issues like the Bawku conflict.
Colonel Aboagye’s remarks underscored the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the security sector, aimed at strengthening its capacity to address both current and future challenges in a manner consistent with constitutional and democratic values.
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