Remain Loyal To The 1992 Constitution; Mahama To Security Agencies

Former President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghana’s security forces to respect the country’s Constitution as the country recalls its first coup d’etat in history.

Today marks 57 years since Ghana’s first coup d’etat was staged against former President Kwame Nkrumah.

The first president of Ghana was ousted from office on February 24, 1966, while out of the country in China on a mission initiated by Ghana’s fellow Commonwealth nations to end the war in Vietnam, according to history.

Commenting on the unconstitutional change in government 57 years down the line, Mr Mahama said it was sponsored by the Danquah-Busia political tradition in collaboration with external intelligence agencies.

He stated, “This coup was achieved through a conscious and constant campaign of falsehood and calumny. As a former President of Ghana who has also been at the receiving end of the Danquah-Busia tradition’s campaign of slander and sabotage, I can empathise completely with the quandary President Nkrumah found himself in.”

He said “dark days” followed the coup as he recalled the few memories he has.

“The perpetrators woefully failed to liberate Ghana as they had promised. They instead initiated a long nightmare that destroyed Nkrumah’s vision for Ghana and Africa.”

He has on that note urged security agencies to hold onto the democracy Ghana enjoys despite the economic challenges.

“As today marks 57 years of that coup d’etat, I call on all fellow Ghanaians and our patriotic security agencies and armed forces to mark this day as one of reflection and to remain loyal to the 1992 Constitution as we begin the task of rescuing our dear nation from the dark pit the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has plunged us into.”

Last year, President Akufo-Addo called on the security apparatus of the country and implored them to remain patient as his government steer the country out of the economic mess.

He also urged them to be loyal to the constitution.

Ghana recorded five successful coups during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s with the last one in 1981.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini