Pressure mounts for removal of Defense Minister amidst allegations of abuse of power

Member of Parliament for Obom Domeabra, Sophia Karen Edem Ackuaku, has called for the removal of Defense Minister Dominic Nitiwul.

In a release dated January 10, 2024, the MP alleged egregious misconduct and abuse of power on the part of the Defense Minister.

She raised concern about the horrifying events following the December 2020 elections, where military personnel, overseen by Nitiwul, allegedly opened fire on a crowd in the Techiman South Constituency, resulting in two deaths and six injuries.

Despite persistent calls for justice from victims’ families, civil society organizations, and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the government has remained unresponsive, according to the statement.

Dominic Nitiwul is accused of manipulating the Army for personal interests, with the press release citing a recent video where he allegedly threatened fellow Parliamentary Candidate aspirant, Alhaji Ahmed Zaruk Nuhu, during their primaries.

Red flags have gone up over the Defense Minister’s purported intent to replicate such tactics against the NDC in the upcoming 2024 elections, and evidenced by supporters chanting “King of the Ghana Armed Force” in the background of the video.

Sophia Karen Edem Ackuaku called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to promptly remove Dominic Nitiwul from his ministerial position, accompanied by a public apology to the Ghanaian people and the NDC.

She warned of mobilization by the NDC if this crucial action is neglected, emphasizing the necessity to ensure free and fair elections in December 2024.

The statement urged Ghanaians not to succumb to fear but to stand resolute, assuring that the NDC will implement measures to guarantee safety during the upcoming polls.

abuse of powerDefense Minister Dominic NitiwulObom DomeabraSophia Karen Edem Ackuaku