Withdrawal Of Army Not “Order from Above”- GAF

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has disputed reports that an “order from above” prompted their recession from Mepe and other communities affected by the Akosombo and Kpong Dams spillage in the Volta region.

On Sunday, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa posted a video of boats being packed away by the military personnel. He indicated in a caption that the detachment helping residents cross flooded places had been withdrawn after an “order from above”.

“Who ‘above’ has given orders to the military detachment helping us cross flood waters to immediately withdraw when the water levels haven’t receded and when thousands of lives are at stake in camps across these waters? Who in government is behind this utter cruelty?”

The report was replicated by several individuals on social media, however, the claims have been shot down by the Military.

“GAF wishes to categorically state that the information in circulation is inaccurate and that the personnel have not been given any ‘order from above’ to withdraw from Mepe or any other community affected by the spillage,” it said in a statement.

According to GAF, there was a need to redeploy their personnel to other places where they are needed as the situation in Mepe has moderately normalized.

“As of 22 October 2023, the situation in Mepe has been brought under considerable control and therefore it became necessary to urgently some of the personnel and equipment to other distressed communities around Battor and its environs which were in dire need of support.”

Ablakwa in a later Facebook post confirmed the military personnel were back but insisted that the initial action of the military was instigated by an “order from above”.

“I am able to confirm that the military did indeed return following the reversal of that devious order from ‘above’.”