The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have strongly denied any claims that they have threatened to take control of the country if the 2024 elections turn violent.
These accusations, allegedly connected to a statement by Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey, Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), were firmly rejected by GAF.
In a press release dated August 23, 2024, GAF clarified that no press conference had been held to declare any intention of staging a coup.
The statement emphasized that the Armed Forces’ role is to provide support to the Ghana Police Service when requested, and this assistance should not be misconstrued as an attempt to overthrow the government.
“We wish to inform the public that GAF will only support the Ghana Police when requested, and this does not constitute an overthrow of the government.
“The allegation by Dr. Akwetey is unfounded, as the Ghana Armed Forces have not held any press conference declaring an intention to take over the country.
“We wish to make it clear that GAF has no intention of staging a coup and will actively prevent and resist any individual, group, or organization attempting to unlawfully seize government power, either independently or in collaboration with any security agency,” the statement from the Armed Forces read.
GAF also urged civil society groups and the media to refrain from using its name to incite political tension, calling on all stakeholders to work together to ensure a peaceful environment in the lead-up to the December 2024 elections.
“GAF calls on civil society groups and the media to desist from heightening political tension by associating its name with such claims.
We urge all stakeholders to work together to ensure that citizens can carry out their lawful activities in a peaceful and safe environment.
GAF, like all peace-loving institutions and individuals, looks forward to peaceful elections in December 2024.
We, therefore, call on all institutions and groups not to associate GAF with anything that could heighten political tension in the country.”
