Source: tntnewspapergh.com
The ex-British Military Officer and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NTK Ventures in the Ejisu Municipality of Ashanti region,Mr.Ntim Twumasi Kwaku,who is popularly known as NTK,has stated emphatically that,the Military can’t be blamed for an unfortunate Obuasi shooting incident which claimed nine(9) lives with many sustaining injuries.
In a statement copied to “The New Trust” newspaper dated Saturday,25th January,2025,the ex-British military officer ,said “as we mourn with the families of the young lives that were lost in obuasi, one can not entirely blame the military men on duty that day for returning fire after having received fire. It’s about time we advise our youth against the disrespect they exhibit in dealing with our men in uniform”.
Ntim Twumasi Kwaku (NTK)
His statement follows the recent clashes by some illegal miners and some military personnel in Obuasi, resulting in the death of nine people, with others sustaining severe injuries, including a military personnel
NTK recalled that,the recent viral video of civilians disarming military men on duty, the killing of a young soldier in kasoa ,the infamous barbaric killing of Major Adams Mahama, and the killing of several military and police officers whilst serving their country are still fresh in the memories of our uniform men.
He said attacking and firing first at armed military men negate any room for negotiations under the rules of engagement. Civilians must be told that the rules of engagement are mostly conditional, and soldiers will always return fire if fired first. “‘A civilian pointing and firing a weapon is no longer a civilian, and the use of deadly force can be applied”‘.
In a situation like this, one can not blame a soldier for defending the immediate lives and property under his guard.
The youth must know that attacking private or government installations under armed guards will certainly lead to exchanges of gunfire and loss of precious lives. Always use the right avenues to express your grievances. Looting, violence, and vandalism must not be”,he cautioned.
It would be recalled that the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have vowed to continue their efforts to safeguard the nation’s resources and ensure the safety of both civilians and security personnel.
The GAF also issued a stern warning to illegal miners, urging them to stay away from mining concessions and to refrain from engaging in violent confrontations with troops.
“GAF wishes to urge all illegal miners to stay away from mining concessions and also desist from engaging troops in shootouts since the consequences of such actions could be fatal,” the statement read.
