President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on the Ghanaian Armed Forces to ensure a neutral and professional discharge of their duties before, during, and in the aftermath of the general elections. Speaking at an event in Accra to military personnel, President Akufo-Addo identified the non-partisan approach as key to helping the country go through the elections peaceful.
Akufo-Addo said that he had every confidence in the GAF keeping the frontiers of the country safe, as they had done during previous elections. "But let me also add that the military must conduct its duties without political pressure or interference, and be committed to the constitutional mandate of defending the sovereignty of this country and maintaining public safety.
"Your duty is to serve the Republic of Ghana, and not any political party or individual," the President said, charging the armed forces to execute their duties with professionalism and neutrality. Akufo-Addo further assured the military that government would continue to provide the resources and training necessary to improve their operational efficiency.
The President's message comes at such a time when Ghana is preparing for its 2024 elections. The period of the election is always characterized by tensions, with concerns of possible violence or unrest. The Akufo-Addo remarks were considered to have pointedly reminded the military about its very important role in the country's security without being involved in the political process.
Akufo-Addo also underlined the need for civilian oversight of activities within the military, reiterating that the armed forces must operate at all times within the dictates of the law. He urged all institutions of state, including the military, to co-operate and work towards a peaceful, free, and transparent election.
Calls for neutrality come at a very critical period in Ghana, where the military has always been relied upon to ensure peace and sanity during elections. The President's call for professionalism and neutrality aims to reassure the public and the armed forces that they remain very steady in the democratic process of the nation.
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