Ghana military and government dispute in Ningo-Prampram

A confrontation between Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George, and military personnel has sparked a debate regarding authority and the rule of law. The dispute occurred in the Ningo-Prampram constituency after soldiers allegedly seized tipper trucks, assaulted residents, and threatened police officers during an operation targeting illegal sand-winning activities. Minister George challenged the conduct of the soldiers, specifically Lieutenant Albert Goh, describing their actions in terms associated with armed robbery and demanding the officer’s dismissal.

In response, a communicator for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) defended the soldiers, stating they were deployed to protect a 66,000-volt Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) transmission line near Akosombo. The communicator argued that illegal sand-winning activities were undermining the line and could have caused a blackout, justifying the military presence.

Following the incident, Minister George met with the Defence Minister and military high command to clarify that his comments were not an attack on the Ghana Armed Forces as an institution. The Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong, has committed to investigating the disputed operation. However, military leadership, including Physical Training Instructor Twumasi Barimah, criticized the minister for publicly disclosing a lieutenant’s service number and suggested his comments could incite residents against the military.