Former Defense Minister and Member of Parliament for Bimbilla, Dominic Nitiwul, has accused the government of deploying military personnel to intimidate Ghanaians, including himself. Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, February 12, Nitiwul raised concerns over what he described as the growing militarisation of Ghana’s political space.
According to the former Defense Minister, he has noticed armed military personnel trailing his movements in recent times, a development he believes undermines democracy. “They are using soldiers to intimidate Ghanaians, including myself, and that is not democracy,” he stated.
His remarks come in the wake of a controversial military raid on the residence of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, an incident that has sparked public outrage and speculation about political persecution. Reports indicate that heavily armed soldiers stormed Ofori-Atta’s home, raising questions about the government’s use of security forces to target political opponents.
The incident has drawn widespread criticism, with many questioning the justification for such a military operation. Political analysts argue that the deployment of soldiers in civilian matters is an abuse of power that threatens the country’s democratic stability. “When a government begins to use the military for political purposes, it creates an environment of fear and intimidation. This is not how a democratic system operates,” one analyst remarked.
Although government officials have remained silent on both incidents, critics, particularly members of the opposition, argue that these events signal a troubling trend of military involvement in civilian political matters. Some have described it as an attempt to suppress opposition voices ahead of the country’s next electoral cycle.
Political observers have warned that if such incidents are allowed to continue unchecked, Ghana’s democracy could be at risk. “The military is supposed to be an independent institution focused on national security, not a tool for intimidating political opponents. This situation raises serious concerns about the future of governance in the country,” a political expert stated.
Calls for an investigation into these incidents have intensified, with opposition lawmakers urging the government to clarify the military’s role in such operations. Some legislators have demanded that Parliament summon security officials to provide answers on the matter.
Beyond the political arena, civil society groups and human rights advocates have also expressed concern about the growing militarisation of Ghana’s governance. Many fear that if left unchecked, the situation could escalate and pose a threat to national stability. “History has shown that once a government normalises military intimidation, it becomes difficult to reverse. Ghana should not take this path,” a human rights activist cautioned.
Several Ghanaian citizens have also taken to social media to express their concerns. Many believe that the government’s silence on the issue suggests an endorsement of such tactics. “Why is the government not addressing this issue? If they have nothing to hide, they should come out and explain why the military is being used in this manner,” one Twitter user wrote.
Ghana, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most stable democracies, now faces growing scrutiny over its commitment to democratic principles. Observers warn that failure to address concerns over military involvement in political affairs could harm the country’s reputation on the international stage.
The situation in Ghana mirrors similar concerns raised in other African countries where governments have been accused of using security forces to suppress opposition voices. In recent years, nations such as Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria have witnessed instances where the military has been deployed to crack down on dissent. In Uganda, for instance, opposition leader Bobi Wine repeatedly accused the government of using security forces to intimidate him and his supporters. Similarly, in Zimbabwe, military crackdowns on protests have led to widespread human rights concerns.
Political analysts argue that Ghana must avoid heading in the same direction. “We have seen in other African countries how military involvement in politics leads to instability. Ghana has always been seen as a beacon of democracy in the region, and it is important to protect that reputation,” one analyst noted.
Despite these concerns, the government has yet to issue an official statement addressing the allegations. The silence has fueled further speculation, with some citizens taking to social media to demand accountability.
In the past, Ghana has set a precedent of maintaining a clear separation between security forces and political activities. However, the latest developments suggest a shift in that approach. The increasing visibility of military personnel in political affairs raises critical questions about the direction the country is heading.
Human rights organisations have also weighed in on the matter, calling for international attention to be placed on Ghana’s political climate. “The world must not turn a blind eye to what is happening in Ghana. If these actions go unchallenged, they could become the new normal, and that is a dangerous precedent,” a representative from an international human rights group stated.
As pressure mounts, political stakeholders and civil society organisations continue to call for transparency and accountability in the deployment of security forces. Many argue that the government must take urgent steps to reaffirm the neutrality of the military and prevent further erosion of democratic values.
The opposition has warned that it will not remain silent if these trends continue. Some have suggested legal action to challenge the government’s approach. “We will explore every legal avenue to ensure that Ghana remains a democracy. The use of military intimidation is unacceptable, and we will fight against it,” an opposition spokesperson declared.
Observers believe that the outcome of this controversy could have significant implications for Ghana’s future political landscape. With elections on the horizon, the way the government handles these concerns could determine the level of trust citizens have in the electoral process.
Ghanaians are now waiting to see whether the government will respond to these allegations and take the necessary steps to restore public confidence. Until then, concerns over militarisation in the country’s political space remain a major issue of debate.
