We’re prepared to ensure peace, security in December elections — Armed Forces

We are prepared to maintain peace and security in this year’s general election, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, has assured.

He said the army would work diligently and also play its role professionally to ensure that the election was conducted peacefully, free from any violence.

The CDS gave the assurance when he, together with other members of the Military High Command, paid a courtesy call on the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Usmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, at his residence in Accra yesterday.

The visit was to seek prayers and guidance of the Chief Imam to enable the Armed Forces to achieve its vision, especially in this year’s electioneering.

He was accompanied by the Chief of Staff at the General Headquarters, Major General Joseph Prince Osei-Owusu; the Deputy Chief of Staff, Policy and Plans, Major General Daniel Nyarko; the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Logistics, Rear Admiral, Samuel Agyenim-Boateng, and the Director-General of the Department of Public Relations, Brigadier General Eric Aggrey-Quashie.

The CDS further said: “I want to assure our father and everyone that together, we will continue to maintain the peace and security of this country.”  “We will continue to perform our duties as GAF, by ensuring that this country’s safety, security and stability are well maintained,” he added.

“On January 24 this year, the President appointed me, and I assumed command and control of GAF on February 1, 2024,” the CDS said.  Lt. Gen. Oppong-Peprah, however, said that he could not come immediately to inform the Chief Imam and seek his counsel because he had to attend to some national duties. 

“But today, by Allah's grace, we have been able to make it,” he said. On behalf of the GAF, the CDS thanked the Chief Imam and wished him well in all his endeavours.

Advice

After praying for Allah’s protection and guidance for the CDS and his men, Sheikh Sharubutu  advised him to continue to lead his men onto the right path. He also prayed for Allah to open his heart and fill it with more patience and tolerance, adding that the army must remain steadfast regardless of challenges.

The Chief Imam further said that there was a strong spiritual connection between the GAF and his Office and, therefore, urged them to maintain the relationship for the betterment of the nation.