People are thanking us, asking when we’ll storm Ashaiman again – GAF

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have been commended by some residents of Ashaiman for the military swoop in the town, which took place following the murder of Trooper Sherrif Imoro in the area.

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting and National Public Relations and Communication Summit, Brigadier General Eric Aggrey Quarshie, the Director General in charge of Public Affairs for the GAF, stated that although some of the military personnel acted excessively, the swoop was not a revenge for the murder of Sheriff Imoro but a planned and coordinated exercise.

The operation was executed to clamp down on criminal activities in the area, which had been a long-standing challenge for residents.

Brigadier General Quarshie explained that the GAF has received several calls from people in Ashaiman commending the move, and they are calling for more such actions. While the army would be taking action against the soldiers who acted excessively, it did not reprimand them in public because it was not the right thing to do.

The operation, which took place on March 7, 2023, saw dozens of military officers storm Ashaiman, with some soldiers entering the town in trucks, an armored car, and a helicopter hovering over the area.

Videos shared on social media showed residents being subjected to severe beatings and various forms of assault by the rampaging officers. The Ghana Armed Forces admitted authorizing the swoop, which led to the arrest of 184 people and the seizure of suspected illegal drugs.

However, the statement released by the GAF did not apologize for the excesses that resulted from the swoop or commit to conducting a probe into them. All suspects have since been released without charge, while the police have arrested six people for their alleged roles in the death of Sherrif Imoro.

The operation in Ashaiman has generated mixed reactions from the public. While some have commended the military’s action, others have criticized the excesses and brutality meted out to residents.

The incident has once again highlighted the need for security agencies to conduct their operations in a professional and disciplined manner, without violating the human rights of citizens.

The Ghana Armed Forces play a crucial role in maintaining peace and security in the country. While their efforts are commendable, it is imperative that they carry out their operations with the highest level of professionalism, discipline, and respect for the rights of citizens.

The GAF should take steps to investigate the excesses that occurred during the Ashaiman swoop and ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future.

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