Claims of looming politicized military shakeup unfounded – Presidency

The Presidency has debunked reports that it is considering making politically motivated changes to the hierarchy of the Ghana Armed Forces with the aim of using soldiers to brutalize citizens during the 2024 polls.

Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, denied the reports in a January 4 statement and indicated that the Presidency does not intend to make any politically motivated changes as claimed by a some Ghanaians on social media.

Rumours surfaced on social media that President Akufo-Addo held a meeting with the leadership of the Armed Forces on January 2 ahead of the alleged politically motivated reshuffle.

But Eugene Arhin explained that, although the president met with security chiefs on the said date, it is only an annual meeting.

“At these meetings, the Heads of Security agencies call on the President to offer him their best wishes for the coming year, with the President also using the opportunity to express his appreciation to them for their continued commitment to safeguarding the peace and stability of the nation.”

Mr. Arhin called on Ghanaians to disregard such publications, which it said are aimed at triggering agitations within the rank and file of the Armed Forces.

Below is the full statement.

The Office of the President has taken note of a publication on social media alleging a deliberate attempt by the Presidency to orchestrate politically motivated changes within the hierarchy of the Armed Forces, with the sole aim of using the Military to brutalise citizens during the conduct of the December 7 general elections.

The publication alleges further that a meeting was held at the Presidency on Tuesday, 2nd January 2024, to discuss the so-called politically-motivated changes in the Ghana Armed Forces.

Indeed, the President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, held a meeting with Heads of Security agencies at Jubilee House on 2nd January 2024, a meeting which has become an annual feature on the President’s calendar at the beginning of the New Year. At these meetings, the Heads of Security agencies call on the President to offer him their best wishes for the coming year, with the President also using the opportunity to express his appreciation to them for their continued commitment to safeguarding the peace and stability of the nation.

Contrary to the allegations made in the publication on social media, no such discussions about changes to the hierarchy of the Armed Forces were held during the meeting.

It is imperative to note that a change in the leadership of the Armed Forces is embarked upon by the President in accordance with the Constitution and well-established conventions, devoid of any political considerations. Any future change made in this regard will not be a new phenomenon that should warrant unfounded speculations.

The Armed Forces is an important institution of State that has, over the years, built an enviable reputation for its professionalism in the conduct of its duties, both at national and international levels. The Akufo-Addo-led administration shall continue to guard earnestly this reputation by ensuring that partisanship is eschewed from the operations of the Ghana Armed Forces.

The President assures Ghanaians that the 2024 general elections will be conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner, devoid of electoral violence. Entities or persons who will attempt to disrupt the elections will be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the
country.

In the interest of safeguarding the peace and stability of Ghana, the public is urged to disregard such unfounded speculations and publications aimed at triggering agitations within the rank and file of the Armed Forces.

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