By Benjamin A. Commey
Accra, Nov 21, GNA – The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called for the immediate removal of Brigadier-General Michael Opoku as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Central Command of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The demand follows the party’s claim that it has obtained intelligence suggesting an attempt to “rig” the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections in favor of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) through Brigadier-General Opoku’s involvement.
The NDC argued that his removal is crucial to ensuring free and fair elections, as well as safeguarding the country’s democracy, peace, and stability before, during, and after the December 7 polls.
Speaking at a news conference in Accra on Tuesday, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, the NDC’s National Communications Officer, expressed concern over the role of Brigadier-General Opoku, particularly due to his alleged involvement in the violent events during the Ayawaso West Wugon by-election on January 31, 2019.
He accused Opoku, then Colonel Michael Kwadwo Opoku, of orchestrating and unleashing NPP-affiliated thugs, including the notorious “Double,” to attack innocent civilians during the by-election, which led to significant violence and brutality.
“It is instructive to note, that the Short (Emile) Commission placed ultimate liability on this military officer who is the subject of this press conference.
“The Commission recommended that he be reprimanded “for being ultimately responsible for the outcome of the SWAT operation at the La Bawaleshie School Polling Station,” he said.
Mr Gyamfi said, considering the information, the position of Brig. Gen. Opoku as the GOC for Central Command was untenable, especially going into a critical election.
He, therefore, called on the Inspector-General of Police, who is the Chairman of the Elections Security Task Force, to investigate the issues in the interest of peaceful, free, and fair elections, adding that the NDC would resist any attempts to use violence in the 2024 elections.
“Ghanaians still await justice for the eight innocent Ghanaians who were shot and killed during the 2020 elections, including those shot in broad daylight at Techiman South.
“The IGP and the Elections Security Task Force must get to the bottom of this election-rigging agenda and stop Brigadier-General Opoku and his thugs from embarking on another Techiman South-styled killings.
The IGP, owes a duty to the people of Ghana to be firm and fair-minded to ensure peace during and after the elections. In this regard, we assure him of our fullest cooperation,” Mr Gyamfi said.
Mr Gyamfi also urged the Chief of Defence Staff to initiate a probe into the matter and bring Brig. Gen. Opoku to book.
“The NDC and by extension, the people of Ghana will hold the IGP, the Chief of Defence Staff and our security heads responsible for the loss of a single life in the 2024 general elections.
“Elections are about counting heads and not cutting heads. No person must lose his or her life on the altar of elections,” he added.
Mr. Gyamfi urged Ghanaians to vote for the NDC and its flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, on December 7, emphasizing that the country needs experienced leadership to navigate the current economic challenges.
“Our dear nation is at a crossroads and requires an urgent reset. Not only have the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government failed to keep almost all their flagship promises to Ghanaians, but they have totally run-down Ghana’s economy, leading to unprecedented hardships and an ever-worsening standard of living.
“Ghana needs the experienced and steady pair of hands H.E. John Dramani Mahama offers. His proven track-record of sound economic management and the right transformational vision is what Ghana needs at a time such as this, to steer us out of our current mess,” Mr Gyamfi said.
GNA