The Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) has warned that tough action would be taken against people planning to cause mayhem in this year’s election.

Air Vice Marshall Micheal Samson Oje said the military are ready and prepared to “deal ruthlessly with anyone who causes any kind of trouble during the election period.”

At a media interaction in Accra Friday, the CDS said the military would team up with the police and other security services to crack down on any form of disturbance.

The security of the country has come under attack following bloody clashes with supporters of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) at health walks.

The rapid succession of these clashes with 11 days to the presidential and parliamentary elections has sparked a debate about the security of the country.

Sections of Ghanaians fear an outbreak of violence and have urged the security agencies to stamp out forces that want to foment trouble and violence ahead of the polls.

But Air Marshall Oje said the military are collaborating with the other security apparatus to maintain the peace of the country before, during and after the elections.

He warned that “Any unlawful act would be met with the force it deserves and the laws of the land would be applied appropriately to deal with any individual or group.”

He cautioned the media to be balanced in their reportage, adding they have become a political and institutional force whose influence cannot be overemphasized.

Air Marshall Oje said the work of the media is double edged. They are there for the public good as well as used by people who want to satisfy their personal interest.

He appealed to Ghanaian youth to respect the electoral process and desist from being used by political parties to disrupt the elections.

Ghana Journalists Association President, Affail Monney who was at the briefing was unhappy with the maltreatment of journalists by the military as they go about their work.

He charged the military to treat journalists with respect as well as provide security for them and media houses as they cover the upcoming elections.