AFAG: Gov�t Has Stampeded Our Demo�Forces Parade Is Reckless And An Act Of Intimidation

Political pressure group, AFAG is accusing government of deliberately activating an unnecessary combined Forces combat Demonstration, a public display by the security agencies tomorrow, the day AFAG was scheduled to hold its intended "LET MY VOTE COUNT" protest march. The essence of AFAG's planned demo was to express their dissatisfaction at the alleged electoral fraud they claim was perpetrated by the EC in connivance with the ruling National Democratic Congress and also to draw the international community�s attention to what arguably is an �electoral coup d��tat�. The group believes the declaration of President John Dramani Mahama as the winner of the 2012 Presidential elections by Dr. Kwadwo Afari Djan represents the will of the minority who counted the ballot and not the will of the majority who cast the ballot, and had thus hoped to embark on a protest march dubbed "LET MY VOTE COUNT" to draw attention to their claims. But the Police Service says it cannot guarantee them enough security since the service has a special programme planned for on that proposed date; the public display by the security agencies. Below is a statement issued by the group regarding the stampeding of their protest march. GOVERNMENT STAMPEDE OUR DEMONSTRATION: THE FORCE DEMONSTRATION TOMORROW IS RECKLESS The Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG) is not surprised that, when all was set for our demonstration this Friday, the government has activated an unnecessary Forces Demonstration and consequently has made our planned demonstration virtually impossible to go on without clashing with the military forces and the police. AFAG has an option here; we can either go ahead and clash with the military forces or we can abort the exercise and save lives. AFAG has thus chosen the latter by turning our intended demonstration into a forum. We are of the strongest of opinion that, the proposed Military and Forces parade is reckless, unnecessary and smack of an act of intimidation reminiscent of the �colonial era� brute show of force. AFAG believes that, this exercise would rather exacerbate tension in the country at a time the whole democratic world is calling for calm and moderation. The President is clearly showing a serious lapse in judgement by calling for this exercise barely fourteen days after a contested election. This is the time for the President in the wisdom of democratic tenets, to show moderation, levelheadedness, and pragmatic approach to the use of his powers. The NDC and President Mahama must understand that, we are in the 21st Century and as such, such tactics as this is outmoded, and laughable. Fellow Ghanaians, this proposed forces demonstration is reckless and would increase tension in the volatile environment. What would happen if any political to also show their support base, decides to put fifty-thousand people on the streets? Is this demonstration by the forces a sign of insecurity on the part of the President? AFAG calls on the President, to cease this demonstration in the interest of ensuring calm in the country. Furthermore, we call on the National Peace Council to speak out against the proposed demonstration by the FORCES at this particular time and join AFAG in calling on the President to halt the exercise. The timing is wrong. This is the last thing that we need at this time. AFAG has therefore scheduled a forum on the 21st of December to be addressed by eminent lawyers, politicians and professional to share their insight on the whole election saga and matters arising. Signed: Arnold Boateng Bright Acheampong Davis Opoku