Economic Woes not an Excuse for Coup – Ex-Deputy Defence Minister
In an interview on Opemsuo Radio’s Nkwantannanso with Kofi Boakye on September 20, Major Derrick Oduro, former Member of Parliament for Nkoranza North and ex-Deputy Defence Minister, firmly rejected the notion that economic struggles should be considered a legitimate excuse for staging a coup d’état.
He emphasized that while economic hardships are undoubtedly challenging, they are not unique to Ghana but rather a global phenomenon. Consequently, he argued that these difficulties should not be used as a pretext for military takeovers, which are not an accepted solution on a global scale.
He stated, “I have stated that economic struggle is global but military takeover is not global.”
His comments were made in response to the ongoing discussions about the resurgence of military coups in Africa and the factors driving them.
One of the central figures in this conversation has been Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who has recently provided valuable insights into the underlying causes of these coups at the St. Andrews Africa Summit (SAASUM) on September 16, 2023.
Otumfuo placed significant emphasis on the economic challenges faced by African nations as a common thread connecting these upheavals.
“The state of our economies impinges on the security of our states. Poverty and unemployment create instability
which present both opportunities for discordant voices.”
He emphasized, “The critical problem confronting Africa is the economy… It is how we ensure every citizen and every family has food on the table. It is how we create jobs for our young men and women so they can stay and serve their country… It is about how we mobilize the rich natural resources for the good of our society.”
Despite recognizing the deep connection between economic struggles and political stability, the King made it unequivocally clear that military takeovers are not a viable solution to Africa’s long-standing economic challenges.
Story by Adwoa S. Danso
