The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has strongly refuted allegations suggesting that it had threatened to take control of the country if election-related violence escalated beyond the capacity of the Ghana Police Service.
These claims were attributed to Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey, Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Governance, and were published on Ghanaweb on August 22, 2024.
According to the publication, Dr. Akwetey allegedly stated that the GAF had made such threats during press conferences held in 2016 and 2020, sparking widespread concern. However, in an official statement released by Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations for GAF, these allegations were categorically denied.
“The allegation by Dr. Akwetey cannot be true because the Ghana Armed Forces has not held any press conference at which it declared its intention to take over the country.
“We wish to make it clear that GAF has no intention to stage a coup and will prevent and resist any individual, group, or organization seeking to take over unlawfully the power of government either acting alone or in collaboration with any security agency.”
Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations for GAF
Brigadier General Aggrey-Quashie emphasized that the Ghana Armed Forces have never issued any statements or held press conferences that could be interpreted as a declaration of intent to overthrow the government.
The statement clarified that the GAF’s role is strictly supportive, providing assistance to the Ghana Police Service only when requested. This collaboration does not, in any way, suggest an intention to seize control of the government.
In light of these unfounded claims, the GAF has called on civil society organizations and media outlets to refrain from using its name in ways that could exacerbate political tensions in the country.
Brigadier General Aggrey-Quashie urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the Ghanaian populace can carry out their lawful activities in a peaceful and secure environment.
Role of the Armed Forces in National Security
The statement also reiterated the Ghana Armed Forces’ commitment to its constitutional role, which includes protecting the territorial integrity of the nation and ensuring internal security in collaboration with other security agencies.
The GAF’s involvement in internal security operations, particularly during election periods, is not new and is guided by the principle of supporting the civil authority—the Ghana Police Service—when needed.
“GAF, like all peace-loving institutions and individuals, is looking forward to peaceful elections come December 2024. We, therefore, call on all institutions and groups not to associate GAF with anything that has the potential of heightening political tension in the country.”
Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations for GAF
This support is typically sought in situations where the capacity of the police is stretched, such as in instances of widespread violence or other significant threats to public order. However, this cooperation is always within the bounds of the law and does not extend to assuming control over civilian government functions.
Brigadier General Aggrey-Quashie’s statement served as a reminder to the media and civil society to act responsibly, particularly during sensitive periods such as election seasons. The role of the media in shaping public perception and maintaining national cohesion cannot be overstated, and as such, the dissemination of accurate and verified information is crucial.
The Ghana Armed Forces reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the elections are conducted in a secure atmosphere, where all citizens can exercise their democratic rights without fear of violence or intimidation.
