Calls for attack on soldiers unlawful – GAF warns public

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has warned the public against calls for attacks on soldiers in line with their duty.

This call follows a statement made by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for the Amenfi East constituency in the Western region, Ernest Frimpong, urging illegal miners in the region to beat up soldiers who prevent them from mining.

Mr. Frimpong has however clarified that his statement was taken out of context indicating that, he only urged small-scale miners to rebel against fake soldiers and the police thereby rendering an apology.

Meanwhile in a statement condemning the words by the Parliamentary Candidate, the Ghana Armed Forces disclosed that in a situation where a soldier misconducts him/herself, the soldier should be reported to the nearest police station or military barracks for the appropriate disciplinary action to be taken.

“It is important to note, that soldiers like any individuals, have the right to self-defense when faced with imminent threats or attacks that pose danger to their lives or the lives of others. In situations where soldiers are confronted with immediate threats or acts of violence, they are allowed to use necessary and proportionate force to protect themselves and others. It must be noted that the outcome of such avoidable confrontations may be unpleasant and dire”.

GAF further noted that, “It is against this premise that GAF wishes to remind and caution the public that assaulting or attacking soldiers is a grave offense punishable by law. It implores all citizens to respect, cooperate, and support our soldiers and to refrain from engaging in acts of violence or incitement against them”.

In a related story, a military officer stationed at the Tarkwa-Aboso military quarters in the Tarkwa Nsueam Municipality of the Western region is battling for his life after illegal miners at Wassa Akyempim in the Wassa East district of the Western region assaulted him at a mining site.

See statement below