Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have issued a stern warning against the use of their names to heighten political tension as the country gears up for the 2024 elections.
This follows allegations that the Armed Forces had plans to stage a coup if the 2024 elections became too violent for the Ghana Police Service to manage, similar to concerns raised during press conferences held in 2016 and 2020.
GAF in a statement released on Friday, August 23, 2024, denied allegations of a coup plot by its outfit adding that it would only intervene in the 2024 elections once it is called on by the Ghana Police Service, a move which is not tantamount to an overthrow.
“GAF wishes to call on civil society groups and the media to desist from using its name to heighten political tension in the country.
We wish to draw the attention of the public that GAF will only support the Ghana Police when the latter requests for assistance and that does not constitute an overthrow of a government” the statement read.
The Military went on to call on all stakeholders to ensure that all Ghanaians feel secured and safe while they exercise their legal rights in selecting new leaders.
“We wish to urge all stakeholders to join hands in ensuring that all citizens feel free and safe to undertake their lawful activities in an atmosphere of tranquillity.
GAF, like all peace-loving institutions and individuals, is looking forward to peaceful elections come December 2024. We therefore call on all institutions and groups not to associate GAF with anything that has the potential of heightening political tension in the country”.
Refuting claims of staging a coup on December 7, GAF announced its commitment to thwart any effort by a group,individual or institution that will make any such attempt.
“We wish to make it clear that GAF has no intention to stage a coup and will prevent and resist any individual, group or organisation seeking to unlawfully take over the power of government either acting alone or in collaboration with any security agency” it warned.
