Outcome of confrontation with soldiers will be unpleasant, dire – GAF warns public

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has issued a press release warning against attacks on soldiers in the country.

This comes after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for the Amenfi East constituency in the Western Region, Ernest Frimpong urged illegal miners to attack soldiers when they come to extort money from them.

After that comment was described as inciting, some soldiers were attacked on Monday with one suffering various degrees of injury.

Reacting to that incident, the Ghana Armed Forces has cautioned the public to desist from confronting and attacking soldiers.

The release from GAF warned that any confrontation that will happen will lead to unpleasant outcomes.

“It is important to note, soldiers like any individuals, have the right to self-defense when faced with imminent threats or attacks that pose a 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,” the GAF release said.

The release added, “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.”

The Ghana Armed Forces further reiterated its commitment to upholding the values of professionalism, integrity and service to the nation.

The Force said it will continue to cooperate with sister security agencies to protect and defend Ghana's interests while respecting the rights and dignity of all citizens.

“GAF operates an open-door policy and therefore wishes to encourage the public to channel their concerns or grievances through the Department of Public Relations of the Ghana Armed Forces,” the Ghana Armed Forces added.