How an intelligence-led operation involved brutality of such magnitude is baffling – Sam George

Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George says the military should not handle issues of internal security.

According to him, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) lack the requisite training to deal with civilians. The Police are a better option.

“I have always held the view that the penchant of using our military as the first course of resort and interfacing with civilian populations is a recipe for disaster,” he said on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday.

Mr George’s comment comes after a military operation, described as ‘intelligence-led’ following the death of Sheriff Imoro, a young soldier at Ashaiman resulted in civilian brutality.

On the back of this, he said although soldiers were trained to handle threats, those threats were normally external and not internal.

“Our military is absolutely not trained. We have some of the finest military officers in the world. Take it from me, and I have seen Ghanaian troops across the world.

“I had opportunity of visiting Lebanon and went on a personal private visit to our troops there and you just need to hear the praises on Ghanaian troops in Lebanon. We have very professional officers, however, that professional training does not extend to engagement with civilian population,” he told host, Samson Lardy Anyenini.

The Legislator whilst sympathizing with the bereaved family, criticised how the military could subject residents of Ashaiman to inhumane treatment

“I want to understand how intelligence gathering or an intelligence-led operation would involve lashing 108 men and asking elderly men to lay in pools of water. Picking bottles and fetching dirty water from gutters and giving it to Ghanaian citizens whose tax was used for the armoured personnel carriers and helicopters,” he bemoaned.

The MP, recounting how he was heckled and attacked by masked men in 2019, said, “And for someone who was in Ayawaso West Wuogon I know what this can do to you.

He described the Ashaiman brutality as unacceptable, and enjoined all to condemn it in no uncertain terms.

He insisted that issues relating to law and order be left to the Ghana Police Service.

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