Air Vice Marshall Samson Michael- Oje, the Chief of Defense Staff has called on Ghanaians and the media especially to desist from publishing reports that will cause panic and fear during and after the upcoming general elections.
“Let all our actions be geared towards the execution of yet another peaceful election to the admiration of the whole continent and the world at large. We as a country have been noted for peaceful elections even when the winning margins are very small… So let us close ranks and make the whole world proud of us once again.”
He said this at a media interaction held at the forecourt of the Ghana Air Officers Mess in Accra to foster a good working relationship between the media and the security services.
He cautioned that anyone who tried to disrupt the peace in the country will have the Ghana Armed Forces to deal with because his outfit will use every legitimate means at their disposal to maintain the peace and tranquility in the country.
He reiterated that the Ghana Armed Forces together with other security services was ready to hold the country together at all cost.
“We and the other security services are ready to collaborate with the press to ensure peaceful elections. Let us join hands and continue to work together to safeguard the peace and stability which we have enjoyed over the years”
The CDS said the Armed Forces recognize the media as an important partner in the execution of its duties and as such their doors were permanently open to the media. In saying this he admonished the media to feel free to find out their side of stories before publishing anything about the Armed Forces.
He also encouraged the media not to hesitate in passing onto the security services any information that will affect the safety and security of our beloved nation, Ghana.
Adding his voice, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. John Kudalor cautioned the media against taking sides with political parties and acting as their spokes persons. This he said would not ensure the peace the country was striving for.
The President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Affail Monney thanked the CDS for the invite and assured him that the media would do everything in its power to ensure that there is peace before during and after the November, 7 elections.
The media had the rare opportunity of interacting with senior Military officers who took time to share their experiences with them.
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