Peter Lanchene Toobu, a member of Ghana’s Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, has cautioned the media against fueling controversies surrounding the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff in the Ghana Armed Forces. His statement comes amid swirling rumors and speculations that have raised concerns about the politicization of military appointments.
Toobu, speaking on JoyFM’s Midday News, emphasized the importance of the Ghana Armed Forces as a non-partisan state institution, crucial to the nation’s stability. He argued that while the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) is a political decision, once appointed, the CDS serves the state, not just the ruling party. This distinction, Toobu believes, is vital to maintaining the integrity and impartiality of the military.
His comments were in response to the situation involving Major General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, the Chief of Army Staff. Oppong-Peprah recently refuted rumors claiming he declined the CDS appointment. These rumors, according to him, have led to unwarranted attacks and speculations, impacting both his professional and personal life. He expressed frustration about being the subject of such baseless rumors, which have also been linked to alleged politically motivated changes in the military’s leadership.
The controversy arises just weeks after the presidency issued a statement denying rumors of a politically-motivated military shake-up planned for the 2024 general elections. This denial was an attempt to quell speculations that the ruling party sought to manipulate military appointments for electoral advantage.
Toobu suggested that Major General Oppong-Peprah should have ignored these rumors instead of publicly addressing them. He advised that as a military leader, maintaining a posture of restraint and focusing on the core duties of defending the nation are paramount. Toobu’s stance is that soldiers, known for their discipline, should avoid engaging in public discourse over speculative matters.
This advice is especially pertinent in the context of recent events in Ghana, including the Garu military attack, which has raised questions about military operations and the need for accountability. The Ghanaian Parliament and various rights groups have been vocal about investigating alleged military excesses and ensuring that the armed forces remain a non-partisan entity dedicated to national security and public welfare.
Toobu’s call for media restraint reflects a broader concern about the impact of sensational reporting on national security and the potential for misinformation to destabilize essential state institutions. His appeal underscores the need for responsible journalism that respects the delicate balance between transparency and national security interests.
As Ghana navigates complex security challenges and prepares for upcoming elections, the role of the media in shaping public discourse on military affairs becomes increasingly significant. The caution against giving undue attention to speculative and politically charged narratives is a reminder of the media’s responsibility in fostering a stable and secure democratic environment.
The situation also highlights the ongoing debate in Ghana about the relationship between the military and the political sphere, especially in the context of democratic governance and civilian oversight of the armed forces. Ensuring that the military remains a professional and apolitical institution is crucial for the health of Ghana’s democracy and the trust of its citizens.
As this situation develops, it will be crucial for all stakeholders, including the media, military leadership, political figures, and civil society, to engage in constructive dialogue and actions that reinforce the principles of democracy, accountability, and national unity in Ghana.
