Armed Forces wont overthrow gov'ts again - Officer

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) would not repeat the mistakes of overthrowing democratic and constitutional governments anymore.

The right to make or unmake governments is reserved for the electorate through the ballot box every four years, Captain John Boglo of the Medium Mortar Regiment (MMR), Ho, said this at an open-day, on Saturday.

Answering questions on why soldiers staged coups and whether this would be repeated, Captain Boglo explained that unlike the past, soldiers are now being educated to appreciate and accept the value of democracy and constitutionalism.

Captain Boglo said politicians formerly played on the ignorance of some soldiers to stage coups where they stayed in the background and exploited the situation. He noted that it was a pride to be a soldier as it is a noble profession because "we protect you at the peril of our lives".

The lives of soldiers "are built on discipline and orderliness which are expected to reflect in their lives both in and out of the Barracks". On why soldiers apply force in assisting the Police to maintain civil order, Captain Boglo said it is only when such force was needed that soldiers are called in and explained even that only reasonable force was applied.
Captain Boglo who was assisted by Staff Sergeant George Yogtiba took the public through the nature, history, weapons of the Regiment and its exploits in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Lebanon.