Audio: Soldier in viral video to be charged if…- Deputy Minister

The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major (Rtd) Derek Oduro, has described as appalling the conduct of the military officer seen in a viral video kicking against the construction of a new chamber for parliament.

Describing the soldier’s conduct as ‘abnormal’, Major Oduro said the officer in question is being interrogated and would be charged if he is found to have breached the rules and regulations of the army.

“What the military officer said was not normal. The military officer is not in guardroom as it has been rumoured. But I must say that he is being investigated. If he is found guilty of things he has been accused of, then he would be charged like a normal civilian who has breached the laws and on other hand, if he is found to have not wronged, then he would be set free,” he stated on Accra based Neat FM, monitored by Adomonline.com.

The soldier in the viral video condemning Parliament’s proposed construction of the controversial new 450-seater complex is alleged to have been invited by his Commander.

The officer is heard in the video appealing to President Akufo-Addo not to support the plan.

He described calls for the construction of a new chamber as selfish on the part of Parliamentarians.

But, to the Deputy Defence Minister, his comments amount to an offence described in the militaryas ‘disloyalty’.

He said the army has a disciplinary Board where he would be investigated and the results after the probe will determine the punishment he receives.

“Soldiers have a way of channeling their grievances. They have Public Relations Officers and even commanders who are always ready to listen to their pleas during durbars and as soldiers, you need to channel your worries to such avenues and not behave like civilians. it is therefore abnormal for a soldier to make such pronouncements. It’s very embarrassing,” he said angrily.

Source: Adomonline.com