Military Threatens To Deal 'Mercilessly' With People Who Disrupt The 2024 Elections
- The military has issued a stern warning against people who may incite violence at the polls
- Lt. Col. Jacob Cudjoe said such persons would dealt with harshly by military officers when caught
- He advised that voters conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and heed the instructions of officers
- Foreign Policy and Security Analyst Adib Saani, in an interview with YEN.com.gh denounced the soldier's statement
The Commanding Officer of the Achiase Jungle Warfare School in the Eastern Region has issued a stern warning to any people planning to cause trouble during the December 7 polls.
Lieutenant Colonel Jacob Cudjoe said the military would intervene if the Ghana Police Service and other law enforcement agencies were unable to maintain order during the 2024 elections.
Source: Getty Images
He said the military was amply prepared to intervene and take decisive action should the situation exceed the capabilities of the law enforcement agencies.
Lt. Col. Cudjoe assured Ghanaians that no attempts to undermine or disrupt the December 7 elections through violence or intimidation would be tolerated.
He added that the military would work closely with the Ghana Police Service to maintain order and security throughout the country.
His statement comes in reaction to the pockets of violence and tension that have characterised the 2024 pre-election season.
Lt. Col. Cudjoe urged citizens to maintain their cool on election day, exercise their franchise and go home quietly.
He said when citizens return after the close of polls to witness the ballots being counted, they should behave orderly and heed the instructions of the electoral officers to prevent any altercations.
He noted that if citizens fail to act orderly and the military is called in, those involved in the violence would face the consequences.
“I will beat the hell out of you and will leave you,” he threatened.
Expert denounces officer's speech
Adib Saani, CEO of Jatikay Centre for Human Security and Peace Building, in an interview with YEN.com.gh described Lt. Col. Cudjoe's statement as unfortunate and irresponsible.
"It has no place in 21st century Ghana," he said.
According to him, the Lieutenant Colonel should have informed citizens that those who engaged in disruptive behaviour would be health according to the laws, rather than threatening physical abuse.
"He spoke as if Ghana is under military dictatorship. We are a country that is governed by the rule of law. Even if you catch a serial killer, you are not in the position to hit him.
"It would have been as simple as if you engage in acts of violence during the elections would deal with you according to the law, as simple as that. But for you to say if you get there, you wouldn't ask anything, you would not ask any question, you would go on to beat people.
"Innocent people might be caught up in the melee, so I think that his statement is more mentality. It is very unacceptable, and I agree with Mr. Dr. Augusto when he said that if we were in normal times, this officer would have been relieved of his duties, and I stand by that."
IDEG concerned about military utterances
Previously, the Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), Dr Emmanuel Akwetey, cautioned that Ghana's democracy could be at risk if concerns about electoral violence are not addressed swiftly.
Dr Akwetey told JoyNews that certain past comments made by the Ghana Armed Forces should concern 'all democracy-loving Ghanaians'.
According to him, the Armed Forces have threatened to intervene on two different occasions if the upcoming elections turn violent and would exceed the capability of the Ghana Police Service if needed.
Dr Akwetey noted that in the event of unfettered violence, military forces would prioritise protecting Ghana’s territorial integrity, peace, and national unity.
GAF refutes coup allegations
However, YEN.com.gh reported that the Ghana Armed Forces clarified in a press statement on Friday, August 23, 2024, that it has never made such claims.
According to GAF, supporting the Ghana Police Service upon request in the event of electoral violence is not tantamount to overthrowing the government.
Proofread by Bruce Douglas, senior copy editor at YEN.com.gh
Source: YEN.com.gh
