The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Akyem Oda constituency has strongly condemned the decision of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Birim Central to deploy military personnel in a recent decongestion exercise.
The exercise, which sought to relocate drivers and market women from the main station, was carried out with the involvement of soldiers, a move the party described as unlawful, undemocratic, and unnecessarily intimidating to civilians.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, the party cited the Police Service Act, 1970 (Act 350), stressing that the Ghana Police Service is the constitutionally mandated institution responsible for maintaining law and order within civilian jurisdictions.
“The decision to deploy soldiers in a civil administrative matter not only violates this legal framework but also undermines the principles of democratic governance and civilian oversight,” the statement said.
According to the NPP in Akyem Oda, the MCE’s approach has caused fear and panic among residents and disrupted economic activities in the municipality.
The party further argued that issues relating to urban management and relocation require broad-based consultation with stakeholders rather than the use of force.
“We call on the MCE to reconsider the approach and rather engage the people in a manner that reflects respect, inclusivity, accountability, and democratic integrity,” the statement added.
The release was signed by the Constituency Communication Director, Kofi Naphtali.
