The National Democratic Congress has stated that it expected a direct response from the Ghana Armed Forces to the statement made by the aspiring NPP Parliamentary Candidate in Amenfi East, Ernest Frimpong, which incited illegal miners to attack security officers who prevent them from operating.
In a viral video, Ernest Frimpong is heard telling the miners to beat whoever accosts them in the presence of the Regional Minister in a meeting with the miners.
Ghana Armed Forces upon seeing the video issued a press statement cautioning the public to refrain from attacking soldiers.
The NDC however are of the view that the response from the Ghana Armed Forces was too general because a military officer was attacked after the video went viral.
“Unless the Ghana Armed Forces, once the most disciplined and revered institution in Ghana has become compromised along political lines, one wonders why the author of your release, Brigadier General E. Aggrey Quashie( Director General, Public Relations) would conceal the details of calling out the person(s) in the viral video and warning them directly instead of displaying cowardice by rather cautioning the general public”, the NDC stated in a release signed by Elikem Kotoko, Deputy National organiser.
The NDC cautioned that the Ghana Armed Forces risk losing respect if such incidents continue unchecked.
The statement emphasized the need to address comments with the source in focus to avoid tragedies such as what befell the late major Mahama.
“In the past eight years we have lost too many of your men to civilian actions and not at war fronts, this is disturbing. Mention can be made of
(I) Major Mahama in upper Denkyira
(ii) Private Imoro Sheriff in Ashaiman.
(III) Lance Corporal Michael Danso in Kasoa “, NDC indicated.