Former Defense Minister Dominic Nitiwul has addressed concerns about military involvement in election-related violence during the 2020 general elections, emphasizing the need for proper investigations and accountability.
Speaking in an interview, Mr. Nitiwul dismissed claims that the military acted unilaterally, attributing the incidents to a broader set of factors, including police actions and civilian clashes.
Responding to questions about allegations that the military was involved in violent incidents, Mr. Nitiwul stated, “There is no evidence that the military acted outside the scope of their duties. What happened involved various groups – police, civilians, and possibly others. It is critical that investigations establish the facts and hold those responsible accountable.”
He added that, during his tenure, press conferences were held to provide clarity on the incidents. However, he noted that any further determination of guilt or responsibility lies with the relevant investigative bodies, including the Ghana Police Service and other authorities. “We told them not to close cases prematurely but to continue investigations to uncover the truth. Justice must be served, and those responsible, whether military, police, or civilians, must be held accountable,” he stressed.
Mr. Nitiwul also addressed the broader issue of election-related violence, citing the killing of civilians and the assault on political actors. He referenced specific incidents, including the 2020 elections and other clashes, where lives were lost. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that such events are not repeated.
In response to concerns that the military has faced criticism for its role in civilian affairs, Mr. Nitiwul argued that the institution operates under strict legal frameworks and does not act without authorization. “The military, by law, cannot act on its own; they work in collaboration with other security agencies. If there is evidence of wrongdoing, it must be thoroughly investigated,” he said.
The former Defense Minister also addressed the perception that the military lacks accountability in such incidents. He acknowledged public concerns but called for caution in attributing blame without evidence. “Let investigations determine the truth. If the military is found culpable, they must be held accountable. If not, the blame should shift to the appropriate parties,” he stated.
Highlighting a recent incident in Wa where the military allegedly assaulted civilians, Mr. Nitiwul noted that such occurrences erode public trust in the armed forces. He urged improved relations between the military and the public, stressing that strong collaboration is vital for national security.
Looking forward, Mr. Nitiwul expressed optimism that continued efforts by the military to engage with the public would yield positive results. “Improving the relationship between the military and the public is crucial. Trust must be rebuilt, and both sides must work together to ensure incidents like these don’t happen again,” he concluded.
Mr. Nitiwul’s remarks come amid growing calls for accountability in the aftermath of election-related violence and the need for reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
