Sam George demands dismissal of lieutenant over alleged truck seizures in Ningo-Prampram
Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George has asked the Chief of Defence Staff to dismiss Lieutenant Albert Goh following allegations that soldiers under his command seized residents’ trucks and mistreated people in the Ningo-Prampram Constituency.
The minister made the demand at the Afienya Police Station, where he had gone to hear complaints from tipper truck drivers who alleged that military personnel had mistreated them at a sand-winning site in the area. His remarks were captured in a video circulated online on November 3.
Mr George alleged that Lieutenant Goh led armed soldiers into the constituency and took possession of trucks belonging to residents without presenting any lawful order. He further claimed that some of the vehicles had been used by the personnel for about two weeks.
He also accused the soldiers of disregarding a police commander who attempted to intervene. According to the minister, the commander, a Chief Superintendent, was disrespected, while some soldiers allegedly cocked their weapons at him.
Addressing the officer directly, Mr George described the alleged seizure of the vehicles as akin to armed robbery and said he expected the military high command to take disciplinary action.
He said he would raise the matter with the Minister of Defence to ensure that the allegations were investigated and the personnel involved held accountable. The minister added that he had obtained the names of the soldiers who allegedly took part in the operation.
Mr George also warned against further incidents involving residents, saying soldiers who returned to the constituency to mistreat people would face legal consequences. He insisted that the matter would be pursued through the appropriate military disciplinary channels.
The allegations place attention on the Ghana Armed Forces and whether the military will investigate the conduct of the personnel involved. At the time of reporting, no public response from the military or Defence Ministry had been identified.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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