A former General Secretary of the People’s National Convention (PNC) has criticised and cautioned the general public over what he describes as ‘an abuse of military–civilian friendliness’.
Speaking on Peace FM’s 'Kokrokoo' morning show on Wednesday, April 17, Atik Mohammed lamented over the continuous attack on military personnel and installations by civilians.
He noted that, the incessant attacks on security forces are despicable and should not be encouraged by anybody.
"As a youth, I feel very disappointed when news of this nature is on the airwaves about my fellow youths conducting themselves in such manner. We are better than this. We are supposed to be symbol of hope for the future," he said.
Atik Mohammed was speaking to the recent attack launched on the Naval Base in Tema by some errant youth in Tema New town.On Friday April 12, there was a conflict between the youth of Tema New Town and the Tema Naval command, leading to the unfortunate demise of two persons.
News gathered indicated that, the conflict occurred during a street procession marking their annual Kplejoo festival.
However, Atik Mohammed extending his deepest condolences to the bereaved family, added that, if such actions are not addressed on time, there will be more cases of fracture and loss of limbs and lives in the future.
"This attitude of disrespect towards security is becoming one too many. They have their shortcomings, however, whatever it is, they provide security services to all of us. If you go and attack a naval base, what impression are you sending out?"
"Civil-military relations have been checked. Hitherto, there was grave fear of the military but in our democratic era, we all think that was backward for the civilian to be so much afraid of the military, but that does not give the civilian to be disrespectful towards the military. We are taking the friendliness for granted and it is not helping."
"We need not to take for granted the relation the military has developed with civilians," Atik added.
Atik further advised that a lot more arrests need to be made and investigations should be carried out into the matter so that the likelihood of a recurrence is avoided.
He added that, it is as a result of such actions that led to the gruesome murder of the late Military Officer, Major Adam Mahama while on official duties at Denkyira Obuasi.
"The youth, if they are not checked, will be emboldened to misbehave more and more. We are taking their (military) relations with us for granted. We need to desist as a country from any form of disrespect towards the military," he stressed.
