The Slap He Received at Ayawaso West Wuogon Was Very Justified — Adwoa Animah on Sam George

According to an Official Facebook Post by Adwoa Animah on 5 November 2026, the recent viral video involving the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, and a military officer has reignited public discussions about the minister’s previous encounters with security personnel. Reacting to the footage, Animah recalled the infamous incident during the 2019 Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election and stated, “I’m convinced that the slap he received at Ayawaso West Wuogon was very justified.”

Her comments followed the circulation of a video showing Sam George confronting a military officer at Afienya in the Ningo-Prampram constituency. In the footage, the minister publicly challenged the conduct of an army lieutenant whom he accused of leading soldiers to seize trucks belonging to residents. He also expressed anger over what he described as the mistreatment of civilians and disrespect towards a senior police officer who had attempted to intervene.

According to reports, the incident arose from a joint military-police operation in the constituency, during which soldiers allegedly confiscated trucks belonging to private individuals at a sand-winning site. Sam George accused the officer involved of exceeding his authority and subsequently called for disciplinary action, including the officer’s dismissal. The matter attracted considerable public attention after the video circulated widely on social media.

The controversy also prompted engagement between the minister and the military leadership. On 4 November 2026, Sam George met with the Minister for Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and the three Service Commanders following concerns raised by the military over portions of the video. The minister subsequently explained that his comments were not intended as an attack on the Ghana Armed Forces as an institution but were directed at the alleged conduct of particular personnel.

However, Animah’s reaction draws attention to an earlier incident that remains one of the most widely remembered episodes involving the minister. On 31 January 2019, during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, Sam George, then the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, was physically assaulted by a security operative. Video footage showed an officer approaching him and delivering a slap, followed by further physical confrontation.

The incident occurred amid serious violence and security concerns surrounding the by-election, which saw armed personnel and other individuals involved in confrontations around polling stations. The attacks attracted widespread condemnation and eventually led to the establishment of the Emile Short Commission of Inquiry to investigate the violence.

In its findings, the Commission described the operative’s decision to slap Sam George as unprofessional and condemned the assault. It also observed that the MP’s conduct during the heated encounter was inappropriate and ill-advised, although that observation did not justify the physical attack. The Commission recommended criminal prosecution of Mohammed Sulemana, the operative identified as responsible for the slap.

Against this historical background, Animah’s latest comments reflect how the new confrontation has reopened debate about Sam George’s approach to dealing with security personnel. While some social media users may interpret his public confrontation as standing up for residents, others may question whether such confrontations are the most appropriate way for public officials to resolve disputes involving the security services.

Nevertheless, the allegations surrounding the recent military operation require an impartial investigation. Equally, the 2019 Commission’s findings remain important in distinguishing criticism of a public official’s conduct from the justification of physical assault.

Ultimately, the latest controversy has placed Sam George once again at the centre of a heated public debate, with his past and present encounters with security personnel becoming subjects of renewed scrutiny.

Source: Official Facebook Post by Adwoa Animah – 5 November 2026.

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