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Dear Brigadier General Eric Aggrey Quarshie and the Ghana Armed Forces,
The Generals’ Dilemma: Loyalty to the State or Loyalty to the Government?
I write to express my alarm and disappointment at the failure of the Ghana Armed Forces to name the individuals involved in the viral video threatening soldiers who attempted to stop illegal mining (galamsey) activities. It is appalling that these individuals, whom I know to be high-ranking political figures, have been shielded from accountability.
The accused persons, including the Regional Minister, the Municipal Chief Executive for Amenfi East, and the Parliamentary Candidate for the same constituency, have brazenly threatened the lives of soldiers, undermining the rule of law and perpetuating impunity. Their actions are a stark reminder of the entrenched corruption and lawlessness that has gripped our nation.
As citizens of Ghana, we have always had confidence in the military as a symbol of national pride and protectors of our sovereignty. In the event that the Ghana Police fail us, we rely on the military to ensure our internal security. However, if those in government, who are supposed to know better, are seen threatening the very backbone of our external security, then our fate is precarious.
The military must be seen as a neutral force, untainted by political influence, and willing to act decisively against anyone threatening the integrity and sanctity of the force. We long for the military of old, reminiscent of the Rawlings era, where the military was a force to be reckoned with.
I urge you to draw inspiration from the bravery and wisdom of those who have fought for the rights of this country, Ghana. May God grant you the wisdom, gravity, and bravery to speak out against the evil that has recently plagued our nation.
I humbly demand that you correct your earlier release by explicitly mentioning the culprits in the viral video, rather than leaving those who have not seen the video in suspense. The public has a right to know the truth, and the Armed Forces must not shield individuals who threaten the very lives of their personnel.
Let us not forget that justice is not only for those with fat foreign accounts or wealth but also for the poor and marginalized. For in the end, we shall all be buried in six feet, with none taking our long mansions, cars, or wealth acquired on this earth. Let us strive for a Ghana where justice is blind to wealth and status, and where the poor and rich are treated equally under the law.
I humbly reiterate my call for the government and law enforcement agencies to take immediate action to:
1. Name and shame the accused persons
2. Invite them for prosecution
3. Ensure justice is served
Their actions are in clear violation of:
- Article 15(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which states that “no person shall be deprived of life intentionally”
- Section 76 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which criminalizes threats of death or bodily harm
- Section 201 of the Armed Forces Act, 1962 (Act 105), which regulates the discipline and conduct of military personnel
Furthermore, as a citizen of Ghana, I am guaranteed the right to effect a citizen’s arrest under:
- Article 14(2) of the 1992 Constitution, which states that “a person may effect an arrest if they reasonably suspect that a felony has been or is being committed”
- Section 43 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), empowers citizens to arrest individuals who commit an offense in their presence
I urge all citizens to exercise their constitutional right to effect a citizen’s arrest if they encounter any of the accused individuals committing a crime.
May God bless our nation, Ghana, and may God bless the Ghana Armed Forces.
