The army threatens to deal ‘mercilessly’ with people who disrupt the 2024 elections
- The military has issued a stern warning against people who could incite violence during the elections
- Lieutenant Colonel Jacob Cudjoe said such persons would be dealt with harshly by military officers if caught
- He advised the voters to behave in an orderly manner and follow the instructions of the officials
The commander of the Achiase Jungle Warfare School in the Eastern region has issued a stern warning to anyone planning to cause trouble during the December 7 elections.
Lt. Col. Jacob Cudjoe said the military would intervene if the… Ghanaian police and other law enforcement agencies were unable to maintain order during the 2024 elections.
Source: Getty Images
He said there was an ample army presence prepared to intervene and take decisive action if the situation exceeds the capabilities of law enforcement authorities.
Lieutenant Colonel Cudjoe assured Ghanaians that no attempt to undermine or disrupt the December 7 elections through violence or intimidation would be tolerated.
He added that the military would work closely with the Ghanaian police Service to maintain order and security throughout the country.
His statement is a response to the pockets full of violence and tension that have characterized the 2024 election season.
Lt Col Cudjoe urged citizens to keep a cool head on election day, exercise their right to vote and go home peacefully.
He said that when citizens return after the polls close to witness the counting of ballots, they should behave in an orderly manner and obey the instructions of election officials. prevent arguments from arising.
He noted that if civilians fail to act in an orderly manner and the military is called in, those involved in the violence will face the consequences.
“I’ll beat you to pieces and leave you,” he threatened.
IDEG concerned about military expressions
Earlier, the Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), Dr Emmanuel Akwetey, warned that Ghana’s democracy could be at risk if concerns about electoral violence were to rise. not addressed quickly.
Dr. Akwetey told JoyNews that certain past comments by the Ghanaian Armed Forces should concern ‘all democracy-loving Ghanaians’.
According to him, the armed forces have threatened on two separate occasions to intervene if the upcoming elections turn violent and exceed the capabilities of the Ghana Police Service if necessary.
Dr. Akwetey noted that in the event of rampant violence, the armed forces would prioritize the protection of Ghana’s territorial integrity, peace and national unity.
GAF refutes coup accusations
However, YEN.com.gh reported that the Ghana Armed Forces, in a press statement on Friday, August 23, 2024, clarified that they never made such claims.
According to GAF, supporting the Ghanaian police upon request in the event of electoral violence does not amount to overthrowing the government.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, senior copy editor at YEN.com.gh
Source: YEN.com.gh
