The Office of the President has denied allegations on social media that the President is deliberately trying to manipulate politically driven moves in the Armed Forces hierarchy in order to use the military to abuse civilians while the general elections on December 7 are being conducted.
A meeting was held at the Presidency on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, to discuss the alleged politically motivated changes in the Ghana Armed Forces, according to the seat of government, as further reported by the social media publication.
As stated in a statement released by the Director of Communications at the Presidency Eugene Arhin on Thursday, January 4, the President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, met with the heads of security agencies at Jubilee House on January 2, 2024. This meeting has become a yearly tradition on the President’s calendar at the start of the New Year.
According to Mr. Arhin’s statement, the President is called upon at these meetings by the Heads of Security agencies to receive their best wishes for the upcoming year. The President also takes advantage of this opportunity to thank them for their ongoing dedication to preserving the peace and stability of the country.
The statement also stated that, in contrast to the claims made in the social media publication, no such talks regarding alterations to the Armed Forces’ hierarchy took place during the meeting.
“It is imperative to note that a change in the leadership of the Armed Forces is embarked upon by the President in accordance with the Constitution and well-established conventions, devoid of any political considerations. Any future change made in this regard will not be a new phenomenon that should warrant unfounded speculations.
“The Armed Forces is an important institution of State that has, over the years, built an enviable reputation for its professionalism in the conduct of its duties, both at national and international levels. The Akufo-Addo-led administration shall continue to guard earnestly this reputation by ensuring that partisanship is eschewed from the operations of the Ghana Armed Forces.
“The President assures Ghanaians that the 2024 general elections will be conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner, devoid of electoral violence. Entities or persons who will attempt to disrupt the elections will be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the country.
“In the interest of safeguarding the peace and stability of Ghana, the public is urged to disregard such unfounded speculations and publications aimed at triggering agitations within the rank and file of the Armed Forces.”
