Physical Training Instructor Twumasi Barimah, popularly known as the Commander General of the Ghana Armed Forces, has questioned Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George’s understanding of military procedures following his public confrontation with a military officer over an alleged operation in Ningo-Prampram.
Mr Barimah argued that the minister should have sought clarification from the appropriate military authorities before publicly condemning Lieutenant Albert Goh and demanding his dismissal.
The controversy follows allegations by Mr George, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, that Lieutenant Goh led heavily armed soldiers into the constituency and seized several trucks without lawful authorisation.
The minister described the alleged conduct as comparable to armed robbery and called on the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to dismiss the officer.
He also warned that soldiers who returned to the constituency to brutalise residents would face resistance under what he described as the “law of the streets”.
Mr George subsequently identified Lieutenant Goh by name and disclosed his official service number, describing him as a disgrace to the Ghana Armed Forces.
However, reacting to the minister’s comments, Mr Barimah criticised his decision to publicly expose the officer’s identity and service details, arguing that the remarks could inflame tensions and turn residents against military personnel.
He suggested that the minister had allowed his emotions to influence his handling of the matter instead of pursuing established channels for resolving disagreements involving the military.
“It has gotten to the point where you are quick-tempered and your inability to control your emotions has led you to publicly mention the service number of a lieutenant. Your statement also appears to be instigating the public by suggesting that the next time the lieutenant or any soldier comes around, he will face the laws of the streets,” he said.
Mr Barimah further challenged the minister’s description of Lieutenant Goh as a mere lieutenant, insisting that the rank carries responsibilities and requires considerable professional training.
He maintained that Mr George should have taken time to understand the operational procedures governing military personnel before making sweeping public statements about the officer’s conduct.
“George, you don’t understand how the military operates. Even the signing of rifles for a place led by a lieutenant, you don’t understand how operations work. So, since you have said your friend and colleague is the Minister of Defence, you should have taken your time.
“You should have come down and found out. Calling the lieutenant a mere lieutenant? No. Do you know what it takes to become a lieutenant? And you are calling the lieutenant a disgrace to the Ghana Armed Forces? No. Come back again, Honourable,” he said.
Mr Barimah also cautioned the Communications Minister against assuming that his position or understanding of the incident gave him sufficient grounds to publicly condemn military officers without first establishing the facts.
He warned that public officials who fail to exercise restraint in their pronouncements could eventually find themselves on the receiving end of similar conduct.
“You see, sometimes, some of you think you are right because you believe you know better. You think you are right. You think you are right. You will one day find yourself in somebody’s left. I am telling you the truth. Take it straight,” he warned.
The exchange has added another dimension to the controversy surrounding the alleged military operation in Ningo-Prampram, with questions about military conduct, civilian oversight and the appropriate channels for addressing allegations against security personnel remaining central to the dispute.
