Ensure A Peaceful Election In 2024 – Akufo-Addo Charges Armed Forces, Other Security Agencies

President of the Republic and Commander-In-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has charged officers, men and women of the GAF and all other security agencies to help preserve the country’s stability and democratic credentials on the African continent during the December 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.

Addressing officers, men, women, and staff of the Ghana Armed Forces at Burma Camp today, Friday, 22 December 2023 at the annual West African Soldiers’ Social Activities (WASSA), President Akufo-Addo said the Ghana Armed Forces and all the other security agencies must work to ensure a peaceful atmosphere during the 2024 general elections.

“Next year our nation goes to the polls for the 9th time in the history of the 4th Republic. Our nation is described as the beacon of democracy and stability and it is in our deep collective interest that this status is firmly maintained.

“I urge you, officers, men, and women of the Armed Forces, and indeed, of the other security services, to help preserve our nation’s enviable record,” President Akufo-Addo said.

“You must help ensure that the elections are conducted in an atmosphere of peace and serenity, thereby protecting the sovereign will of the Ghanaian people and guaranteeing the longevity of the 4th Republic” Akufo-Addo added.

*Professionalism*

In his address, President Akufo-Addo commended the men and women of the Armed Forces for their dedication to duty and professionalism which he says has produced a conducive environment in Ghana for the socioeconomic development of the country.

The Armed Forces, according to the President, has stuck to the values, customs, and traditions and has remained steadfast in their row of safeguarding the constitutional order and territorial integrity of Ghana.

The President also commended the Armed Forces for the successful outcome in Accra of the recently organized Africa Reparations Conference, the United Nations (UN) 2023 Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference, the first to be held in Africa.

*Combat-ready*

Minister for Defence, Dominic Nitiwul in his address, mentioned the several projects undertaken by the Akufo-Addo administration aimed at dealing with the accommodation challenges of the Armed Forces.

He also indicated that the government has taken deliberate steps aimed at retooling the Armed Forces to make her combat-ready to confront all existing and emerging security threats the country is faced with.

*Maintain security*

Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, the Chief of the Defence Staff, on his part, commended the President and government for its dedication towards the Armed Forces in ensuring its continuous retooling which has led to the enhancement of their operational capabilities.

He noted that the Ghana Armed Forces stand ready to serve the people of Ghana by working hard to ensure that the peace and security of the nation is maintained at all times, “even at the peril of their lives,”.

From Wilberforce Asare