The Office of the President has dismissed reports of a possible politically motivated shakeup to the top hierarchy of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in order to use soldiers to abuse citizens during the 2024 elections.
The Presidency has described the report as unfounded speculations and publications aimed at triggering agitations within the rank and file of the Armed Forces, hence the public should disregard it.
A Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Anchoring Democracy Advocacy Movement Ghana alleged that a meeting was held at the Presidency on Tuesday, 2nd January 2024, to discuss the changes.
Admitting there was indeed a meeting, the Director of Communications, Eugene Arhin, in a statement explained that it was an annual gathering with security chiefs.
“At these meetings, the Heads of Security agencies call on the President to offer him their best wishes for the coming year, with the President also using the opportunity to express his appreciation to them for their continued commitment to safeguarding the peace and stability of the nation,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the statement has assured Ghanaians that the 2024 general elections will be conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner, devoid of electoral violence.
“Entities or persons who will attempt to disrupt the elections will be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the country,” the statement cautioned.
Full statement below
The Office of the President has taken note of a publication on social media alleging a deliberate attempt by the Presidency to orchestrate politically motivated changes within the hierarchy of the Armed Forces, with the sole aim of using the Military to brutalise citizens during the conduct of the December 7 general elections.
The publication alleges further that a meeting was held at the Presidency on Tuesday, 2nd January 2024, to discuss the so-called politically-motivated changes in the Ghana Armed Forces.
Indeed, the President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, held a meeting with Heads of Security agencies at Jubilee House on 2nd January 2024, a meeting which has become an annual feature on the President’s calendar at the beginning of the New Year.
At these meetings, the Heads of Security agencies call on the President to offer him their best wishes for the coming year, with the President also using the opportunity to express his appreciation to them for their continued commitment to safeguarding the peace and stability of the nation.
Contrary to the allegations made in the publication on social media, no such discussions about changes to the hierarchy of the Armed Forces were held during the meeting. It is imperative to note that a change in the leadership of the Armed Forces is embarked upon by the President in accordance with the Constitution and well-established conventions, devoid of any political considerations.
Any future change made in this regard will not be a new phenomenon that should warrant unfounded speculations.
The Armed Forces is an important institution of State that has, over the years, built an enviable reputation for its professionalism in the conduct of its duties, both at national and international levels.
The Akufo-Addo-led administration shall continue to guard earnestly this reputation by ensuring that partisanship is eschewed from the operations of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The President assures Ghanaians that the 2024 general elections will be conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner, devoid of electoral violence. Entities or persons who will attempt to disrupt the elections will be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the country.
In the interest of safeguarding the peace and stability of Ghana, the public is urged to disregard such unfounded speculations and publications aimed at triggering agitations within the rank and file of the Armed Forces.
Eugene Arhin
Director of Communications