The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has issued a stern warning against calls for attacks on soldiers, highlighting the significant threat such actions pose to the nation's security and stability. 

This caution comes in response to a viral video featuring Ernest Frimpong, the New Patriotic Party's Parliamentary Candidate in the Amenfi East constituency of the Western Region, who is heard urging individuals believed to be small-scale miners to resist arrest by soldiers.

Ernest Frimpong has denied the allegations, asserting that he did not endorse illegal mining or encourage miners to fight military personnel.

He claimed his remarks were taken out of context from a two-hour engagement with artisanal small-scale miners, emphasising that his intentions were misrepresented.

In a press statement issued on Monday, June 10, 2024, Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, the Director General in charge of Public Relations at the Ghana Armed Forces, addressed the issue. 

He stated that GAF had “taken note of viral videos on social media calling for attacks on soldiers and other security personnel.”

The GAF underscored the potential dangers such incitements could bring, stressing that any form of violence against military personnel undermines the rule of law and jeopardises national security. 

The statement reiterated the need for all citizens to respect the law and support the efforts of the security forces in maintaining peace and order.

The Ghana Armed Forces called on the public to refrain from actions or statements that could incite violence and destabilise the country, urging leaders and influential individuals to act responsibly and promote unity and lawful conduct.

“We strongly, wish to caution the public against such utterances. It is instructive to note that such calls are not only unlawful but also pose a significant threat to the security and stability of our nation. We therefore condemn any form of incitement or encouragement of violence against our soldiers.

“We wish to assure all and sundry that GAF will continue to perform its duties of safeguarding the security of the state and protection of civilians. It is also crucial to understand that personnel of GAF and sister security agencies are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights in the execution of their duties,” the statement said.