Opinions of Tuesday, 30 July 2013

Columnist: New Free Press

Editorial: IGP and army CDS must stay out of politics

IGP and army chief of defence staff must stay out of politics

Our attention has been drawn to comments and certain modus operandi of the current IGP, Mr Mohammed Alhassan and The Chief of Army staff Rear Admiral Matthew Quarshie as we head towards the climax of the Supreme Court petition and the subsequent ruling by the eminent judges who sat to hear the case. The comments by Rear Admiral Matthew Quashie are unnecessary and out of order and a clear breach of our constitution which makes it clear the the Armed Forces must be neutral and stay out of politics. The conduct of Mohamed Alhassan, the Inspector General of Police is worse. He has started a so called tour of duty around the country and in the Northern Region, told members of the police services to do all they can to support the government and that any disturbances would be crushed. Why these two men are beating war drums and creating tension when a National Peace summit, which was held recently with all political parties and civic society present, made a strong affirmation to respect and honour the verdict,which ever way it goes beats our imagination.
The current President John Mahama must be careful not to think that Ghanaians are stupid or they cannot deduce what he is trying to achieve. Using the heads of the army and the police to intimidate Ghanaians and especially the judiciary is nothing short of being a coward and exhibiting sheer arrogance. If you think you have won an election why are you panicking and sending the inspector General of police Mohammed Alhassan to go round the country to campaign for you surreptitiously?
The instruments of state are there to serve all Ghanaians not just the few. We call on all members of the Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service not to allow themselves to be used by anybody and not to be deceived by any sycophantic leader who is not prepared to respect our constitution .They should not allow themselves to be used for any nefarious activities and to be prepared to defend truth and integrity and to respect the decision of our courts .
Our motto is Freedom and Justice. Lets do all we can to guarantee it and make it flourish for all.
Suraju Musah Mohammed
Managing Editor
New Free Press