Ghana Armed Forces Reassure Neutral Role in Upcoming Elections
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a neutral stance in the upcoming general elections, scheduled for December 2024. In a statement released on Monday, the military leadership emphasized its dedication to safeguarding the country’s democratic process and ensuring a peaceful electoral environment.
The assurance comes amid growing concerns from political parties and civil society organizations about the potential for security agencies to be drawn into partisan activities during the elections. With tensions running high in the political landscape, the GAF’s declaration aims to dispel fears of bias and reinforce public trust in their role as impartial protectors of national security.
“Our Duty Is to Ghana”
Major General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, Chief of Defence Staff, underscored the military’s constitutional mandate to remain apolitical. “The Armed Forces serve the Republic of Ghana and not any political entity,” he stated during a press briefing in Accra. “Our duty is to uphold peace, stability, and the will of the Ghanaian people as expressed through free and fair elections.”
He assured the public that military personnel deployed during the elections would operate strictly within the framework of the law, working collaboratively with the Electoral Commission (EC) and other security agencies to prevent violence, protect voters, and safeguard electoral materials.
Calls for Collaboration
The GAF leadership also called on political parties, candidates, and their supporters to commit to peaceful conduct throughout the electoral period. They stressed that the military’s neutrality is only effective if all stakeholders refrain from actions that could compromise the security of the elections.
“Security is a shared responsibility,” said Brigadier General Janet Anane, a senior officer in charge of election-related operations. “We urge all citizens to respect the process and avoid acts of provocation or violence. Our presence is to ensure everyone’s safety, not to intimidate.”
Public Reaction and Trust Building
The military’s reassurance has been met with mixed reactions from the public. While many commend the GAF for their transparency and proactive communication, others remain skeptical, citing past instances where security agencies were accused of partiality. Political analysts have welcomed the statement but emphasized the need for constant monitoring to ensure the neutrality pledge is upheld.
Civil society organizations have also lauded the move as a step toward fostering trust in the electoral process. “This declaration is crucial for building public confidence,” said Dr. Grace Adjei, Executive Director of the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development. “Now, we must hold the Armed Forces accountable to their promise of neutrality.”
Commitment to Peaceful Elections
As the elections draw closer, the GAF’s role will be under intense scrutiny. However, their unequivocal commitment to neutrality serves as a reminder of the importance of professionalism in safeguarding democracy. Ghanaians now look forward to a peaceful electoral process, where the Armed Forces will play a key role in upholding the nation’s stability and democratic values.
The military has promised to provide regular updates on their election-related activities, further reinforcing their transparency and commitment to a fair process. For now, the GAF’s message is clear: Ghana’s peace and democracy remain their top priority.
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