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CDS raises concern over rising political temperature ahead of polls

kencitymediagh
May 13, 2016
2 min read

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Ghana Armed Forces has expressed concern about what he calls the rising political temperature in the country as the November elections draw closer.

Air Vice Marshal Sampson Oje said Ghana has been noted for conducting peaceful elections even with very small winning margins, and should not give up the title.

"This is our country; we have nowhere else to go. Let me assure you that the Ghana Armed Forces and other security agencies and services are ready to hold the country together at all cost- that is what we are paid for," he noted.

Ghanaians will be going to the polls in November this year in what has been widely regarded as crucial and close presidential and parliamentary elections

The incumbent, President John Dramani Mahama, is seeking re-election on the ticket of National Democratic Congress (NDC) which is seeking a third term in office.

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) which has lost two successive elections in 2008 and 2012 is determined to return to power in this year's polls.

This has created tension in the country as preparations are being made towards the elections.

Some violence which marred the just-ended Limited Voters' Registration exercise is an example of rising tensions in the country, the Chief of Defence Staff stated.

Oje Sampson while addressing representatives from various media houses in Accra on Friday charged them to work together with security agencies to ensure the upcoming elections are peaceful.

He pleaded with the media to avoid adding "fuel" to the political environment through their reports.

"Please do not hesitate to contact us to clarify or pass on to us any information that will affect the safety and security of the country," he added.

Sampson Oje assured Ghanaians that the Ghana Armed Forces will continue to play a neutral and non-partisan role ahead of the upcoming elections.

He warned "anyone who seeks to use the upcoming election to undermine the peace, stability and integrity of the country," will have the security agencies to contend with.