Ningo-Prampram Military Saga: Commander General Takes on Sam George Over Clash With Lieutenant Goh

Physical Training Instructor Twumasi Barimah, popularly known as the Commander General of the Ghana Armed Forces, has criticised Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations Minister Samuel Nartey George over his confrontation with a military lieutenant during an incident in the Ningo-Prampram Constituency.

According to Barimah, the minister, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, should have sought clarification about the military operation in his constituency before publicly confronting the officer involved.

He questioned the minister’s decision to make public statements about the lieutenant, particularly his disclosure of the officer’s service number, arguing that such actions could provoke hostility towards military personnel among residents.

Barimah also expressed concern about the minister’s warning that soldiers who returned to the constituency to mistreat residents would face consequences under what he described as the law of the streets.

“It has gotten to the point where you are quick-tempered and your inability to control your emotions has led you to publicly mention the service number of a lieutenant. Your statement also appears to be instigating the public by suggesting that the next time the lieutenant or any soldier comes around, he will face the laws of the streets,” he said.

He challenged Sam George’s understanding of military procedures and operations, insisting that the minister should have exercised restraint and obtained the necessary information before making public accusations against the officer.

The Commander General further cautioned the minister against describing a lieutenant in dismissive terms, stressing that attaining the rank requires considerable training and professional development.

He urged the Ningo-Prampram MP to reconsider his approach to the matter, warning that allowing emotions to dictate public statements could have serious consequences.

The criticism follows a confrontation between Sam George and a military officer identified as Lieutenant Albert Goh over allegations of intimidation and misconduct involving soldiers in the constituency.

The minister accused the lieutenant and a group of armed soldiers of entering Ningo-Prampram, seizing several trucks belonging to residents without lawful authorisation and engaging in conduct he considered unacceptable.

He likened the alleged actions of the military personnel to armed robbery and warned that soldiers who returned to the constituency to assault or intimidate residents would face resistance and legal consequences.

Sam George also described Lieutenant Goh’s conduct as a disgrace to the Ghana Armed Forces and called on the Chief of Defence Staff to initiate disciplinary proceedings against him.

The minister subsequently disclosed plans to engage his colleague, the Defence Minister, to ensure that the military investigated the incident and held those responsible accountable.

He further alleged that the soldiers had taken weapons from the Ghana Armed Forces armoury before carrying out the operation and accused them of retaining possession of seized vehicles for an extended period without lawful authority.

Sam George also raised concerns about the alleged treatment of a senior police officer during the incident, claiming that the soldiers had disrespected the police commander and cocked their weapons at him.

He maintained that he would pursue the matter through the appropriate military channels, insisting that residents of Ningo-Prampram deserved justice and that all personnel involved should be held accountable for their conduct.

Source: https://mobile.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/One-day-you-will-find-yourself-in-somebody-s-left-Military-officer-warns-Sam-George-2059915

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