Security expert Dr. Adam Bonaa has lashed out at the National Peace Council for hesitating to criticize the military when it has acted untowardly during this election period.
The military had categorically stated it would not deploy troops to polling stations to offer primary security unless the police requested that it do so.
Soldiers were subsequently dispatched to certain locations across the country where their presence was unexpected.
Speaking on GH One as part of its coverage of the general election, Dr Adam Bonaa accused the peace council of showing fear when it had to weigh into matters in which the military has been guilty.
“I was expecting that they should have spoken up to the military that they should go back. But they didn’t. It is almost like they are afraid,” the seasoned security expert said.
He called on citizens to bodly speak up against those in power and uphold the truth at all times, even if it would cost them.
“If we want to fix this country,” he advised, “then people must be bold and speak truth to power and damn the consequences.”
He said the incumbent NPP government had created little room for dissent by working to eject Members of Parliament who spoke truth to power. It was a reference to a call by a section of NPP MPs in Parliament who had called for Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta’s resignation only to lose their primaries several months on.
“As far as I’m concerned, we need bold people to speak truth to power. The current NPP government, even though they had a number of them. You know the 88 or 90 MPs who stood up against Ken Ofori Atta. Most of them lost their seats,” he said.
He encouraged politicians and the public to create an environment where everyone’s views are tolerated. “I think we should allow dissent.”