‘You Can’t Talk to Soldiers Anyhow’ – Paul Adom-Otchere Fires Back at Sam George

Broadcaster Paul Adom-Otchere has reportedly criticised Communications Minister Sam George over his public confrontation with a military officer in Ningo-Prampram, raising concerns about how public officials engage with members of the Ghana Armed Forces.

The journalist’s comments follow a viral video showing Sam George confronting Lieutenant Albert Goh over a military operation in his constituency. The minister accused the officer and other soldiers of mistreating residents and confiscating their trucks without lawful authority.

According to a report by MyNewsGh, Adom-Otchere believes that soldiers should be treated with caution and respect, particularly when disagreements involve individuals occupying important public positions.

The controversy started after tipper truck drivers in Ningo-Prampram complained that military personnel had assaulted them and seized their vehicles at a sand-winning site. Sam George, who represents the constituency in Parliament, subsequently visited the area and confronted the officer believed to be responsible for the operation.

During the encounter, the minister compared the alleged actions of the soldiers to armed robbery and called on the Chief of Defence Staff to dismiss Lieutenant Goh. He also warned that soldiers who returned to mistreat residents would face what he described as the “law of the streets”.

His remarks attracted criticism from some quarters, with concerns that such language could increase tensions between civilians and military personnel.

Twumasi Barimah, a Ghana Armed Forces physical training instructor popularly known as Commander General, also questioned the minister’s approach. He argued that Sam George should have established who authorised the operation before publicly identifying the officer and disclosing his service number.

However, Sam George has maintained that his intervention was intended to defend residents who allegedly suffered mistreatment.

On November 4, he met Defence Minister Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, the Chief of Defence Staff and the three Service Commanders to discuss the incident. He later disclosed that military leadership had raised concerns about aspects of his video, while insisting that he did not intend to attack the Armed Forces.

The minister also alleged that three residents sustained gunshot injuries during the operation and said the Chief of Defence Staff had pledged to investigate the incident.

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