How to resolve AdBlock issue? Ghana Armed Forces and the Call for Democratic Responsibility Ahead of 2024 Elections
Thursday, 05 December 2024 | Ghana
As Ghana gears up for the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, attention has turned to the Ghana Armed Forces and their role in ensuring the integrity of the democratic process. While Ghana is often celebrated as a democratic beacon in West Africa, recent events such as the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence, the Ejura killings, and the Ashaiman brutalities have raised concerns about the military’s involvement in civil matters. These incidents have sparked debates about the potential dangers of militarized responses during elections and the broader implications for Ghana’s democracy.
Under Article 210 of the 1992 Constitution, the military's primary mandate is to protect Ghana’s territorial integrity. The maintenance of law and order is the constitutional duty of the Ghana Police Service, with military involvement limited to extraordinary situations where their assistance is explicitly required. This separation of responsibilities is vital for maintaining civilian oversight of state security and preserving the democratic framework.
However, there has been a troubling trend of military involvement in internal security operations, often accompanied by reports of excessive force and abuses. Such incidents have eroded public trust in the Ghana Armed Forces, raising fears of impunity. The Ayawaso and Ejura incidents serve as stark reminders of the importance of adhering to the rule of law and respecting human rights in security operations. Public confidence in the military’s neutrality and professionalism is essential for upholding Ghana’s democratic credentials.
The military must remain conscious of its obligations under both the Constitution and international human rights law. Accountability for unlawful actions is not optional. Individual soldiers and commanders are liable for abuses, and impunity has no place in a democracy. Upholding the rule of law and respecting human rights are not just moral imperatives but also legal obligations that safeguard the military’s credibility and the nation’s stability.
As a cornerstone of Ghana’s sovereignty, the Armed Forces have a responsibility to protect the nation’s democratic achievements. Historical examples from West Africa underscore the dangers of military interference in politics, which often leads to long-term instability and conflict. By maintaining neutrality and professionalism, Ghana’s military can reinforce its role as a protector of democracy rather than a threat to it.
During the upcoming elections, the Armed Forces must ensure their operations remain strictly within the confines of the law. Joint security efforts with the police should be conducted under police command, and any use of force must be proportional, necessary, and in line with established operational procedures. Soldiers deployed for election-related duties should receive comprehensive training to handle situations with restraint and professionalism.
Political actors must also refrain from exploiting the military for partisan gains. The co-optation of the armed forces for political purposes undermines their integrity and risks dragging them into divisive conflicts that could destabilize the nation. The military’s allegiance must remain firmly with the Constitution and the people of Ghana, not with any political party or leader.
As the elections approach, the Ghana Armed Forces have a critical opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. By adhering to their constitutional mandate, maintaining accountability, and upholding professionalism, the military can not only safeguard the credibility of the elections but also strengthen Ghana’s position as a democratic leader in the region.
The world is watching, and so are Ghanaians. The conduct of the Armed Forces during the elections will either bolster Ghana’s reputation as a democratic trailblazer or cast doubt on its commitment to democratic principles. The stakes are high, and the choice is clear. The military must rise to the occasion and honor its legacy as a guardian of the nation, ensuring its actions uphold the democratic ideals Ghana has worked so hard to achieve.
Under Article 210 of the 1992 Constitution, the military's primary mandate is to protect Ghana’s territorial integrity. The maintenance of law and order is the constitutional duty of the Ghana Police Service, with military involvement limited to extraordinary situations where their assistance is explicitly required. This separation of responsibilities is vital for maintaining civilian oversight of state security and preserving the democratic framework.
However, there has been a troubling trend of military involvement in internal security operations, often accompanied by reports of excessive force and abuses. Such incidents have eroded public trust in the Ghana Armed Forces, raising fears of impunity. The Ayawaso and Ejura incidents serve as stark reminders of the importance of adhering to the rule of law and respecting human rights in security operations. Public confidence in the military’s neutrality and professionalism is essential for upholding Ghana’s democratic credentials.
The military must remain conscious of its obligations under both the Constitution and international human rights law. Accountability for unlawful actions is not optional. Individual soldiers and commanders are liable for abuses, and impunity has no place in a democracy. Upholding the rule of law and respecting human rights are not just moral imperatives but also legal obligations that safeguard the military’s credibility and the nation’s stability.
As a cornerstone of Ghana’s sovereignty, the Armed Forces have a responsibility to protect the nation’s democratic achievements. Historical examples from West Africa underscore the dangers of military interference in politics, which often leads to long-term instability and conflict. By maintaining neutrality and professionalism, Ghana’s military can reinforce its role as a protector of democracy rather than a threat to it.
During the upcoming elections, the Armed Forces must ensure their operations remain strictly within the confines of the law. Joint security efforts with the police should be conducted under police command, and any use of force must be proportional, necessary, and in line with established operational procedures. Soldiers deployed for election-related duties should receive comprehensive training to handle situations with restraint and professionalism.
Political actors must also refrain from exploiting the military for partisan gains. The co-optation of the armed forces for political purposes undermines their integrity and risks dragging them into divisive conflicts that could destabilize the nation. The military’s allegiance must remain firmly with the Constitution and the people of Ghana, not with any political party or leader.
As the elections approach, the Ghana Armed Forces have a critical opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. By adhering to their constitutional mandate, maintaining accountability, and upholding professionalism, the military can not only safeguard the credibility of the elections but also strengthen Ghana’s position as a democratic leader in the region.
The world is watching, and so are Ghanaians. The conduct of the Armed Forces during the elections will either bolster Ghana’s reputation as a democratic trailblazer or cast doubt on its commitment to democratic principles. The stakes are high, and the choice is clear. The military must rise to the occasion and honor its legacy as a guardian of the nation, ensuring its actions uphold the democratic ideals Ghana has worked so hard to achieve.