Soldiers on duty have right to defend themselves with lethal force when mob try to disarm them - GAF warns

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has raised concerns over recent attempts by mobs to disarm military personnel deployed on authorised duty to support the Ghana Police Service in maintaining law and order nationwide.

In a statement, the GAF cautioned the public against such actions, emphasising that military personnel have the right to protect themselves, innocent civilians, and property when attacked by a mob. 

“GAF wishes to caution all and sundry that military personnel on authorised duty have the right to defend themselves, innocent civilians, and property, including the use of lethal force, if necessary to preserve life,” a statement issued Tuesday (December 10) and signed by the Director General of Public Relations, Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, said. 

The statement further encouraged all Ghanaians to exercise their civic rights responsibly and cooperate with security personnel to avoid actions that could undermine national peace and stability.

Reiterating its commitment to safeguarding the stability and sovereignty of the nation, the GAF has called on citizens to refrain from acts that threatened the country’s security.

Obuasi incident

On Election Day on December 7 in the Obuasi municipality of Ashanti Region, a video was shared on social media showing two gun-wielding soldiers in an exchange with some agents of a political party, who were attempting to deny them access to a polling centre in Obuasi.

The exchanges between the soldiers and the civilians in Obuasi East degenerated and the civilians attempted to disarm one of the soldiers.

The civilian was heard telling the military personnel, “Get away, if you try you will see. Where are you going?”

One of the two military men also responded, saying, “Stop taking the video, allow me to go and don’t touch me.”

Attached below is a copy of the statement

The GhanaArmed Forces (GAF) has observed attempts by mobs to disarm military personnel on authorised duty as part of military support to the Ghana Police Service to restore law and order across the country.

GAF wishes to caution all and sundry that military personnel on authorised duty have the right to defend themselves, innocent civilians, and property, including the use of lethal force, if necessary to preserve life.

GAF wishes to once again encourage all Ghanaians to exercise their civic rights responsibly, cooperate with security personnel and refrain from any acts that could disrupt the peace. GAF reiterates its commitment to safeguarding the stability and sovereignty of the nation.