Politics
NPP PC clarifies viral statement on miner rebellion
The NPP parliamentary candidate for the Amenfi East constituency, Mr. Ernest Frimpong, has clarified his controversial statement “when the soldiers fight you, fight back,” which recently went viral.
In a statement, Mr. Frimpong, explained that his words were taken out of context due to a communication gap, and he has since apologized for any misunderstandings caused.
A video of Mr. Frimpong speaking to a group believed to be miners has sparked significant controversy. In the video, it is alleged that Mr. Frimpong, speaking in the local Twi dialect, appeared to have advised small-scale miners to resist “soldiers, police, and national security operatives” at their sites. This statement led to a public uproar and backlash.
Purpose of gathering
Mr Frimpong in the statement explained that the purpose of the meeting was to educate miners on the rules and regulations governing small-scale mining in the country.
He emphasised the importance of responsible mining practices, the prohibition of mining in protected areas, and the need to obtain the necessary permits.
The miners expressed concerns about harassment and extortion by individuals posing as soldiers, police and national security operatives.
Mr. Frimpong confirmed that there had been reports of such individuals extorting money from registered small-scale miners while pretending to be legitimate security personnel.
Clarification
In response to these allegations, Mr. Frimpong advised the miners to resist these imposters. He stressed that his comments were widely misinterpreted as inciting violence against actual state security personnel.
Mr. Frimpong clarified that his statement was directed at criminal gangs impersonating security officials, and not legitimate state personnel.
He noted that in the full, unedited video, he encouraged miners to support genuine police and soldiers who protect them from criminals. He emphasised that his call to “fight back” was meant to target those fraudulent individuals harassing the miners.
He apologized for any confusion caused by his remarks, attributing it to the charged political atmosphere and the excitement of the engagement. He took full responsibility for the miscommunication and any inconveniences it may have caused.
Warning
Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has warned against calls for attacks on soldiers, highlighting the significant threat such actions pose to the nation’s security and stability.
A statement released by Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, the Director General in charge of Public Relations at the Ghana Armed Forces, said GAF had “taken note of viral videos on social media calling for attacks on soldiers and other security personnel.”
It underscored the potential dangers such incitements could bring, stressing that any form of violence against military personnel undermines the rule of law and jeopardises national security.
The statement reiterated the need for all citizens to respect the law and support the efforts of the security forces in maintaining peace and order.
The statement called on the public to refrain from actions or statements that could incite violence and destabilise the country, urging leaders and influential individuals to act responsibly and promote unity and lawful conduct.
“We strongly, wish to caution the public against such utterances. It is instructive to note that such calls are not only unlawful but also pose a significant threat to the security and stability of our nation. We therefore condemn any form of incitement or encouragement of violence against our soldiers.
“We wish to assure all and sundry that GAF will continue to perform its duties of safeguarding the security of the state and protection of civilians. It is also crucial to understand that personnel of GAF and sister security agencies are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights in the execution of their duties,” the statement added.
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bode George, has intensified his call for the establishment of state police to contain the wave of insecurity in Nigeria.
George made this call on Friday when he appeared during an interview on Arise Television monitored by Ekwutosblog.
He was reacting to the worsening insecurity situation in the country where innocent Nigerians, including women and schoolchildren are kidnapped and others killed in the process.
“First of all, what is wrong with establishing state police? We have seen nobody is going to cancel the Federal Police, but policing is local.
“When you now turn the boys who live in the same area and legalize their existence to put smiles on the faces of the people, it will be better to manage because they will understand the language of the locals. They know the do’s and don’ts in their own area. So why are we wasting time?
“I am happy I read something last week after the Arewa Consultative meeting in the North. They met and took a decision that they have agreed to a state police.
“Then the Southwest met with their governors, and the governors’ statement made after that conference is that they also accept having state police.
“What are we wasting time for? Because the way it is, you don’t even know who is telling the truth or who is telling the lie,” he said.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Friday declared that he’s still a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Wike’s comment followed his expulsion from the party by the faction led by National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki.
Turaki had formally dispatched expulsion certificates to 11 prominent party chieftains, including Wike, former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Umaru Bature, Kamarudeen Ajibade, SAN, Abdurahman Muhammad Senator Mao Ohuabunwa.
He said their expulsion was aimed at sanitising the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reacting to the development on Friday, Wike dismissed the claim while assuring that he would continue to work with other party members in making PDP a relevant opposition party.
The minister spoke while addressing journalists after inspecting the Interchange bridge and road linking Gwarinpa with Jahi and direct to Katampe, Gishiri and Maitama.
He said, “Those that are factionalized are bound to leave the party, I’m still in PDP and you can see that not everybody has left.
“We still have good numbers and we will continue to work together and that’s what I have said to the party. Put your house in order because at the end of the day, if you don’t put your house in order, it’s the party that is losing.
“So those who are worried, we can work together to see how the party can remain a relevant opposition.”
The governments of Abia and Imo States have announced the launching of a joint security taskforce and surveillance along the Aba-Owerri expressway, starting from Owerrinta in Abia State all the way to Owerri, Imo State.
The launch followed recent attacks by criminals on the expressway, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities.
The formation of the joint security taskforce and surveillance was announced by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity.
His statement read in part: “Arising from a strategic emergency security meeting held today, 4th December, 2025, by the Governors of Abia and Imo Sates at the Imo State Government Owerri House, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti and His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma resolved to set up a joint security Taskforce that shall consist of Soldiers, Naval Personnel, Police Officers , DSS Personnel, and other Government Security Agencies.
“The joint security Taskforce shall, starting from tomorrow 5th December 2025, patrol the road 24 hours nonstop, while carrying out massive surveillance in the surrounding bushes using sophisticated drones and other modern security equipment.”
According to the statement, Governor Alex Otti commended the Governor of Imo State for arresting the criminals who carried out an attack on His advanced team and other passengers a few days ago.
“The two Governors, while assuring citizens plying the road on a daily basis and those returning home for Christmas of their safety and security, warn that there would be severe consequences for any criminal caught on the road going forward”, Ekeoma concluded.
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