
Audio By Carbonatix
Many have sought to create the impression that since the constitution empowers only the President to declare war; it amounts to a criminal offence for a citizen or resident to declare such an action. In as much as possible, I am not interested in Agyapong's unfortunate string of words but in correcting the impression which is fast becoming pervasive.Now, the declaration of war in the context of the constitution of Ghana and any other is meant to send an unambiguous signal to a diplomatic community mainly. That is why the constitution consistently leaves you with the impression that 'war' is meant to be between two nations and or a nation, and an external aggressor.If the Commander of the Joint Chiefs of Defence or top defence officer for instance declared war on our neighbor Togo, it would leave the Togolese Government wondering if this was real or rather a sign that there was an ongoing mutiny by the official. In order to avoid this confusion the law empowers only the Office of the President to make that declaration. It is meant to curb a scenario in which a war hungry army declares war in critical situations when all present at the security meeting vote in favor of war albeit the President wishes otherwise.As you may have begun to realise only a person in a position of authority in the army could possibly be conceived capable of usurping the President's powers. This is because, an army does not obey instructions from high above but from ground commanders. Indeed, neither the President nor Defence Minister could directly order an army to war without routing the instructions through the chain of command.As I said earlier, the constitution understands 'war' to involve a nation and an external aggressor. Any other similarities within the borders of the nation by citizens amounts to a breach of public order. It is in this light, I in an unrelated subject find the conclusion of the Wuaku Commission that events that led to the murder of the Ya Na of Dagbon was war as unfortunate. All such incidents must be treated as purely criminal cases.So if Hon. Kennedy Agyapong categorically stated that he has declared war, does it amount to treason? NO. Did he conduct himself in a manner like to incite misguided citizens to breach the public peace and order? YES. His declaration is not backed by law neither has he command over the army and as such his declaration is null and void, SIMPLE! However, the content and import of his words would make him liable for criminal prosecution for trying to breach the public peace. I doubt very much if I went on radio and declared war on Bahrain or Syria those countries would be perturbed, nor would the BNI arrest me, nor would any court entertain a criminal action over my statements.It is my firm believe that Hon. Kennedy Agyapong would walk a free man if he is charged for a supposedly treasonable offence of declaring war, because the bench would certainly not fall for such shallow reasoning. Consequently, he would become a hero, emboldened in his conduct. On the other hand if the AG/Police heed my advice against that of the politicians in government and charge him under the Public Oder Act this may yet be their first major political victory in court against a man Ghanaians in one instance must be eternally grateful to for exposing Alfred Agbesi Woyome and his co-conspirators in government.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
When audit reports become annual reminders of recurring failures
7 minutes -
EOCO detention has strengthened my resolve – Miracles Aboagye vows to lead NPP communications drive
8 minutes -
Adams Alhassan writes: Ghana’s largest university has no campus
18 minutes -
Bono Minister commissions schools, inspects projects and rallies support for Mahama government in Tain
30 minutes -
Dennis Miracles Aboagye breaks silence after EOCO release, says EOCO never questioned him over alleged GH¢55m
36 minutes -
GJA Volta receives cement and GH¢5,000 donation for Press Centre Phase Two project
59 minutes -
Today’s front pages: Wedesday, July 15, 2026
1 hour -
PURC resolves 99.56% of ECG and Ghana Water complaints in Volta/Oti, commissions 17 boreholes
1 hour -
Black Star Water Polo team helps rescue flood victims in Accra
2 hours -
Opaque political financing driving corruption and state capture in Africa — AUABC Chair Edem Senanu
2 hours -
Emirates flight EK789 touches down in Accra for the first time
3 hours -
New generation of R290 ACs can cut up to 60% in electricity costs for households and businesses
3 hours -
Walking in a banker’s shoes-lessons from my UBA Ghana Internship
3 hours -
‘Let’s empower citizens to act with their minds, not their stomachs’ — Zanetor
3 hours -
US prosecutors accuse Abu Trica of using AI to run $8m elderly romance scam
3 hours