KEY POINTS
- NDC urges Opoku’s removal due to his controversial past and election violence involvement.
- Concerns raised over Opoku’s potential to disrupt 2024 election security.
- NDC demands accountability and peaceful elections in Ghana.
Ghana’s main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has called for the immediate dismissal of Brigadier General Michael Opoku, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Central Command in the Ghana Armed Forces.
The NDC accuses Brigadier General Opoku of a controversial track record that undermines his role in ensuring national security.
NDC demands removal of military official
Speaking at a press conference on November 19, NDC National Communications Officer Sammy Gyamfi described the senior military official as having a “notorious” history unfit for his position. Gyamfi specifically pointed to Opoku’s alleged involvement in the violent events at Ayawaso West Wuogon, which he characterized as a “badge of dishonor.”
“A person like him has no place in the current environment where Ghanaians are calling for violence-free elections,” Gyamfi stated, adding, “Given his history, we demand his immediate removal from his position as GOC of the Central Command.”
The NDC expressed concerns over Brigadier General Opoku’s role in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections, suggesting his continued presence in the security hierarchy could compromise electoral integrity. “A miscreant like him has no place in our electoral security framework,” Gyamfi said.
Electoral violence concerns
According to Joy Online, the opposition party delivered a stern warning, asserting that they are monitoring Opoku and his alleged collaborators within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). “Violence cannot and will not win the NPP this year’s election,” Gyamfi emphasized. “This time, he and his ilk shall not succeed.”
The NDC also called on Inspector-General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare to uphold his mandate and prevent any attempts to usurp his authority. The party criticized the lack of accountability for election-related violence during the 2020 polls, particularly the killings of eight individuals, including those at Techiman South, as a troubling precedent.
“The IGP and the Elections Security Task Force must dismantle any election-rigging agenda and stop Brigadier General Opoku and his operatives from repeating the violence seen in Techiman South,” Gyamfi stated.
Accountability demands
The NDC urged Ghana’s Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, to investigate the allegations against Brigadier General Opoku and ensure accountability. They called on the security leadership to safeguard the sanctity of the 2024 elections, warning that any loss of life would be deemed a failure on their part.
“The NDC, and by extension the people of Ghana, will hold the IGP, the Chief of Defence Staff, and all security heads responsible for any life lost in the upcoming elections,” the statement added.
Reiterating the importance of peaceful elections, the opposition emphasized, “Elections are about counting heads, not cutting heads. No individual should lose their life on the altar of political competition.”
