Ghana Armed Forces well done but...
It was refreshing to read in Monday’s Daily Graphic that the Ghana
Armed Forces apologised for the assault of journalists at this year’s
independence parade.
I was one of the many journalists who advocated a total boycott of the GAF’s programmes and activities at least for a month to send the soldiers a message that we may be powerless in touching them physically but our pens, cameras and microphones can erase them from the memory of the public.
One thing ironical about this whole episode is the tale of denials and the fact that the report was not meant for public consumption.
Given the evidence available, one would have expected that the GAF would condemn and possible punish the perpetrators to serve as a deterrent others but no, it was all about preserving the image of the soldiers.
Yes! It is over the soldiers have apologised, let’s put aside the issue and move given the long standing relationship with the media. But he who inflicts pains on you forgets that he ever did it but the scar remains.
The statement of Nii Martey Botway, one of the victims (who had his penis electrocuted) clear attests to that. According to the Daily Graphic Photographer, he was traumatised by the incident particularly so when he had become a laughing stock and subject of discussion among his friends and also in his neighbourhood.
Letting go is not easy, especially in a world that promotes getting our own back at those we think have offended us.
But as the great American Author Mark Twain said “Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.”
But where you are the one who did wrong, forgiveness means accepting that you did wrong, and not trying to excuse or justify your behaviour. Admit it, let go the baggage, repair any damage done, and continue on life’s journey.
That is exactly what the soldiers did but that was as a result of the public outcry.
While applauding Col M’bawine Atintande, the Director of Public Affairs of the GAF Directorate, for doing the honourable thing by visiting victims of the assault and apologising, I disagree with the Director when he suggests that a press corp should be put together to cover military functions to minimise the occurrence of the scuffle.
Sir, I would rather suggest that our military personnel erase the so-called ‘minimum force’ from their minds. Our soldiers need training in human right protection in Ghana and not only when they are on their way to peacekeeping missions abroad.
If the GAF and other security services continue to uphold the lawlessness of their employees, they may succeed in inflicting physical and psychological pain on their victims but their image in the international community may be affected.
If you cannot protect or handle the rights of your own people, how do you expect the international community to trust you to respect the rights of refugees who are most vulnerable?
Like most Ghanaians, I have profound respect for our security services especially the army who remain one of the most respected across the world. I have had the cause to smile chatting with friends from Cote d’voire and Liberia who were full of praises for our soldiers.
But an army whose personnel turn civilians into punching bags, I will always view with suspicion and mistrust.
Going forward, the GAF must try as much as possible to ensure that its enviable reputation outside Ghana becomes part of its culture locally. We love our soldiers but at the moment, I dare say, they have just sowed a seed of mistrust and acrimony.
I was one of the many journalists who advocated a total boycott of the GAF’s programmes and activities at least for a month to send the soldiers a message that we may be powerless in touching them physically but our pens, cameras and microphones can erase them from the memory of the public.
One thing ironical about this whole episode is the tale of denials and the fact that the report was not meant for public consumption.
Given the evidence available, one would have expected that the GAF would condemn and possible punish the perpetrators to serve as a deterrent others but no, it was all about preserving the image of the soldiers.
Yes! It is over the soldiers have apologised, let’s put aside the issue and move given the long standing relationship with the media. But he who inflicts pains on you forgets that he ever did it but the scar remains.
The statement of Nii Martey Botway, one of the victims (who had his penis electrocuted) clear attests to that. According to the Daily Graphic Photographer, he was traumatised by the incident particularly so when he had become a laughing stock and subject of discussion among his friends and also in his neighbourhood.
Letting go is not easy, especially in a world that promotes getting our own back at those we think have offended us.
But as the great American Author Mark Twain said “Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.”
But where you are the one who did wrong, forgiveness means accepting that you did wrong, and not trying to excuse or justify your behaviour. Admit it, let go the baggage, repair any damage done, and continue on life’s journey.
That is exactly what the soldiers did but that was as a result of the public outcry.
While applauding Col M’bawine Atintande, the Director of Public Affairs of the GAF Directorate, for doing the honourable thing by visiting victims of the assault and apologising, I disagree with the Director when he suggests that a press corp should be put together to cover military functions to minimise the occurrence of the scuffle.
Sir, I would rather suggest that our military personnel erase the so-called ‘minimum force’ from their minds. Our soldiers need training in human right protection in Ghana and not only when they are on their way to peacekeeping missions abroad.
If the GAF and other security services continue to uphold the lawlessness of their employees, they may succeed in inflicting physical and psychological pain on their victims but their image in the international community may be affected.
If you cannot protect or handle the rights of your own people, how do you expect the international community to trust you to respect the rights of refugees who are most vulnerable?
Like most Ghanaians, I have profound respect for our security services especially the army who remain one of the most respected across the world. I have had the cause to smile chatting with friends from Cote d’voire and Liberia who were full of praises for our soldiers.
But an army whose personnel turn civilians into punching bags, I will always view with suspicion and mistrust.
Going forward, the GAF must try as much as possible to ensure that its enviable reputation outside Ghana becomes part of its culture locally. We love our soldiers but at the moment, I dare say, they have just sowed a seed of mistrust and acrimony.
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