Former President John Mahama has appealed to the Ghana Armed Forces and other security agencies to safeguard the democratic gains of the country, despite the current economic downturn.

He said they should guard against unconstitutional takeover of governance by remaining loyal to the state and the 1992 Constitution.

His comment follows a similar call by President Akufo-Addo to the military to support him steer the country out of the present economic hardships.

“I want to encourage you to continue the good work that you’re doing for our country. I encourage you to stand firm in your loyalty to the Republic, your loyalty to the Constitution of our nation so that orderly, peaceful development of our country can come about,” Mr Akufo-Addo said at a military function.

In a national televised address on Thursday, October 27, Mr. Mahama concurred with President Akufo-Addo and added his voice to the call.

He noted that although the economic situation is dire, Ghanaians – especially the security agencies – should not give excuses for acts that are unconstitutional.

“Working together as one people and using the levers of the Constitution, we can turn this situation around. In building the Ghana we want, we must all put our heads together.

We must not throw our hands in despair. Regardless of how bad the situation is right now, I still have hope that we can turn things around. This is our land; this is our destiny, and we are ready to move mountains to protect and build the Ghana we want,” he added.

Find his full speech below: