The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has responded to comments made by Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey, Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), who suggested that there is a risk of a military coup in Ghana if the upcoming general election turns violent.

In a press release shared with GhanaWeb, the military dismissed the claim that its involvement in supporting the Ghana Police Service during potential election-related violence would constitute a coup.

GAF clarified that it would only assist the police if requested, and this action does not signify any intention to overthrow the government.

“Dr Akwetey is alleged to have said GAF has threatened to take over control of the country if elections in the country turn out violent beyond the control of the Ghana Police Service at press conferences held in 2016 and 2020. We wish to draw the attention of the public that GAF will only support the Ghana Police when the latter requests assistance and that does not constitute an overthrow of a government," part of the release which was issued by Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, the Director General Public Relations of GFA on August 23, 2024, reads.

The GAF also refuted the assertion that it has ever publicly announced intentions to take control of the country in the event of election-related violence.

The military reaffirmed its stance against any coup attempt and its commitment to preventing unlawful power grabs by any individual, group, or organization, either independently or in collaboration with any security agency.

GAF urged the public to refrain from using its name to escalate political tensions as the December 2024 elections approach.

“GAF, like all peace-loving institutions and individuals, is committed to ensuring peaceful elections in December 2024. We urge all institutions and groups to avoid associating GAF with actions that could heighten political tensions,” the release concluded.

In an interview with JoyNews on August 21, 2024, Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey expressed concerns that the Ghana Armed Forces had previously threatened to intervene if election violence exceeded the control of the Ghana Police Service.

He warned that such threats could indicate a potential end to civilian rule and a military takeover.

“The Armed Forces of Ghana since 2016 have clearly and openly in press conferences threatened that if violence breaks out in the country over election disputes or whatever and the police cannot deal with it and it’s escalating or threatening, they will step in. And they said if they did so, it would be to protect the territorial integrity, our peace, and our national unity.

“That would be a coup because the police cannot deal with nationwide violence. They are not equipped for that. It’s not about parliamentary elections, it’s about presidential elections because the president is elected throughout the country. And they have said that a second time in 2020 and probably even the third time they’ve even started talking about it so early,” he said.

The IDEG boss added, “Read the papers, and you will see the threat is real in a sub-region where there is a drift towards the military or the return of military governments. And ECOWAS is facing some challenges in dealing with these issues.”