On the evening of April 12, 2024, the Eastern Naval Base in Ghana’s Tema Newtown, encountered a rowdy situation. Personnel were compelled to fire warning shots to protect the base’s critical infrastructure from assault by local youths.
The incident unfolded amidst the Tema Kplejoo Festival, a time of celebration for the community.
Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations for the Ghana Armed Forces, addressed the situation, refuting allegations that naval personnel had targeted festival participants.
Instead, he emphasized the need to protect the base from escalating attacks, which led to the deployment of warning shots.
However, the aftermath revealed casualties, with two men losing their lives and three others sustaining injuries, now receiving treatment at Tema General Hospital.
Additionally, naval personnel and civilians were injured during the confrontation, heightening tensions in the community.
In response to these events, security expert Adib Saani told RGGNEWS about the potential repercussions on the relationship between the military and the local populace.
He stressed the importance of a transparent investigation to address grievances and prevent further violence, urging dialogue between community leaders, religious figures, and military officials.
As investigations by the Ghana Police Service and the Armed Forces commences, the community mourns the loss of lives and calls for justice, while military authorities caution against further attacks on their installations.
The incident underscores the delicate balance between security and community relations, highlighting the need for mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.
