Security analyst Samuel Nana Appiah has condemned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Amenfi East, Ernest Frimpong, for allegedly encouraging illegal miners to assault police and military personnel.
The analyst was reacting to the viral video showing the candidate inciting the illegal miners.
He described the remarks as reckless, irresponsible, unfortunate, and unacceptable, stressing that they could create tension between the security agencies and residents in the area.
He made the remarks in reaction to a video circulating online in which Mr. Frimpong appears to incite miners to attack police officers and soldiers who extort money from them.
Speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Samuel Nana Appiah asked the candidate to, with immediate effect, render an apology to the security agencies and Ghanaians in general.
He said that as someone with an interest in going to parliament, it was irresponsible for him to have advised residents to engage in lawlessness.
He asserted that this could influence residents to attack security officials who go to the area to maintain law and order.
He also suggested that the Regional Minister who was present at the ceremony should have immediately called the candidate to order and made him retract and apologise.
He stated, “Under no circumstances should you incite people against the military or advise them to assault soldiers.” He is a parliamentary candidate and could have addressed his constituents much better than he did. He might have addressed the same issue without encouraging them to assault the soldiers. It is unsettling to stand in front of a crowd and order them to assault soldiers. It is regrettable, and such a statement; we cannot allow such behaviour to continue in our country.”
When asked if he should be questioned by the police, he replied, “That would not be a terrible idea, but I don’t think we have gotten to that point yet. The candidate for parliament should accept responsibility and apologise for making the statements that have subsequently gone viral. You are preaching violence, and we should never allow anyone to advocate violence. Even suspected robbers are innocent until proven guilty and should not be harmed, let alone those performing their duties as security officials.”
He added that it would be more surprising if the regional minister failed to rebuke him, especially when he was present at the ceremony where the comments were made.
He urged the regional security council to call the candidate to order and make him retract and apologise.
“The danger in what he stated is that he has prepared his constituency for violence. If you seek power and encourage your people to fight the security agencies, and you will back them up, you are endangering them.
If precautions are not made, the residents may attack security officers dispatched to the region to maintain law and order without provocation. That is dangerous, and it will be linked to what he said. Yo, whatever he said was bad in every sense of the word. I don’t believe it was good, regardless of whether he was politically motivated. We will never accept such remarks from someone seeking to be elected MP. That cannot be allowed. This is the time for us to establish peace, stability, and unity.”
He added, “If you want people to vote for you, there are better ways to campaign.” Inciting the residents against the security agencies is not the best way to campaign for votes. He erred and must apologise because if something should happen in the area, he would have to be blamed. He should therefore write to apologise to the security agencies and the people of Ghana.”
Meanwhile, he has requested the NPP to address the issue and sanction the candidate.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
