The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has issued a statement in response to comments made by Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey, Executive Director of the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG), suggesting that the GAF had threatened to take control of the country if elections become violent. The GAF denies this allegation, stating that they will only support the Ghana Police Service when requested and that this does not constitute an overthrow of the government.

Dr. Akwetey had stated in an interview with Joy News that the GAF had threatened to step in if violence breaks out during elections and the police are unable to control it, citing press conferences held in 2016 and 2020. However, the GAF claims that they have not held any press conference declaring their intention to take over the country.

The GAF emphasizes that they have no intention of staging a coup and will prevent and resist any individual or group seeking to take over the government unlawfully. They call on civil society groups and the media to avoid using their name to heighten political tension and urge all stakeholders to work towards ensuring a peaceful election in December 2024.

In a rejoinder, the IDEG boss maintains that the threat of a coup is real, citing the GAF’s previous statements. However, the GAF reiterates their commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s democracy and calls on all institutions and groups not to associate them with anything that could heighten political tension.