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 The role of the Ghana Armed Forces in safeguarding democracy during elections: A call for professionalism and constitutional fidelity.

As we approach the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, the Ghana Armed Forces’ role in democratic governance comes under renewed scrutiny. While Ghana has been a beacon of democracy in West Africa, incidents such as the Ayawaso bye-election violence, the Ejura killings, and the Ashaiman brutalities have cast a shadow over our democratic credentials. These incidents have highlighted the dangers of militarized responses to civil matters and raised critical questions about the military’s role in elections and governance.

Ghana’s military, a respected institution with a proud history, must remain conscious of its constitutional limitations. Under Article 210 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the military’s primary role is to protect Ghana’s territorial integrity. The maintenance of law and order is explicitly within the purview of the Ghana Police Service, except in extraordinary situations where the military is called upon to assist. This arrangement safeguards civilian control of state security and ensures the military does not overstep its constitutional boundaries.

However, the troubling trend of military involvement in internal security matters has undermined public trust. Instances of brutality, excessive use of force, and overreach in civil matters have not only eroded confidence in the Ghana Armed Forces but have also raised the specter of impunity. The Ayawaso bye-election violence and the Ejura killings are stark reminders of the consequences of failing to respect the rule of law, established rules of engagement, and human rights.

The Ghana Armed Forces must be mindful that under Ghana’s Constitution and international human rights law, accountability for illegal acts and abuses is inescapable. Commanders and individual soldiers alike are liable for actions that contravene legal and ethical standards, and there is no place for impunity in a democracy.

Credit: Joy News

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