…After exposing its complicity in Galamsey activities
Former Captain of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), lawyer Jamaldeen Tonzua Seidu, has rubbished claims by the military that he had flouted restrictions placed on him not to use his rank as a “Captain” in civilian life, insisting that he has never done what the military was alleging.
Jamal has been described as the Legal Officer, who was tasked to set up legal protocols for Operation Vanguard and worked as its lead legal officer with a firsthand experience of the military’s complicity in the disorganized Galamsey fight.
The military, last week cautioned him via a press statement against presenting himself as a retired captain or ex-captain of the army, but this has been cited as an attempt by the military high command to gag him from exposing the complicity of military officers in the illegal mining business.
It was at one of such sites owned by “C&J Alaska” belonging to Simon Adyin and Donald Entsuah, that Major Maxwell Mahama at Denkyira-Obuasi, was killed by some residents while guarding the concession in the name of op.
The GAF stated that they had noticed the unauthorized use of military rank by the lawyer, who had been referring to himself as “Captain Retired” or “Ex-Captain” in relation to his political ambitions and media appearances.
However, in a press statement, the lawyer explained that “The statement falsely and misguidedly alleges that I have used my military rank in my civilian life. Under the circumstances, I am compelled to issue this public statement to deny the uninformed, misguided, and ignorance-laden allegation of the Ghana Armed Forces that I have used my military rank in media appearances. I have not, on any occasion, whether public or private, addressed myself or caused myself to be introduced as Captain Jamal Tonzua,” 3news.com quoted the lawyer as having said.
He further expressed his concern about the GAF’s disclosure of private information regarding his period of service, deeming it a flagrant violation of the law that should not be repeated.
He added that his dedication to strengthening the democratic control, accountability, and integrity of the Ghana Armed Forces remains his priority.
Meanwhile, Fix The Country convener, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has taken on the Ghana Armed Forces over the demand that a former officer desists from using his last rank in the service in his civilian life.
The army via a statement last week asked Jamal Tonzua, to desist from using his former title in his political communication and instances of his appearances in the media.
Tonzua is currently a lawyer who is vying for the parliamentary slot of Savelugu on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Barker-Vormawor, described the military’s position as “Completely ridiculous and targeted,” in a Facebook post dated May 5, 2023.
He went on to ascribe a reason for the military’s move: “This is all because Former Captain Jamal Tonzua has been criticizing the military’s for its disorganized approach to Operation Vanguard, in his recent media interviews. So they have released this to undermine him.”
He further cited the example of a former captain in the person of famed lawyer Nkrabeah Effah Dartey.
He wrote: “Now, if someone is introduced as a former military officer, does that mean he is using his military rank in civilian life? Is he not a former captain? Or resigning voluntarily means he was never a military officer? Being called Former or ex Captain is not a use of military rank in civilian life
“Besides, who hasn’t heard of Captain Retired Nkrabeah Effah Dartey? Even he who was dishonorably discharged, has been using his title in civilian life for years. Like many other officers. Unlike Jamal. But when have you seen the military say anything about them?”
Oliver Barker-Vormawor wrote “I have seen this recent release by the Ghana Armed Forces.
1. Completely ridiculous and targeted. If you didn’t know the full story, you will read this and walk away thinking something nefarious has happened
2. This is all because Former Captain Jamal Tonzua has been criticizing the Military’s for its disorganized approach to Operation Vanguard, in his recent media interviews. So they have released this to undermine him.
3. Mind you, Jamal was the Legal Officer who was tasked to set up legal protocols for Operation Vangaurd and worked as its lead legal officer; so he has firsthand experience of the military’s complicity in the disorganized Galamsey fight.
4. Now, if someone is introduced as a former military officer, does that mean he is using his military rank in civilian life? Is he not a former captain? Or resigning voluntarily means he was never a military officer? Being called Former or ex Captain is not a use of military rank in civilian life
5. Besides, who hasn’t heard of Captain Retired Nkrabeah Effah Dartey? Even he who was dishonorably discharged, has been using his title in civilian life for years. Like many other officers. Unlike Jamal. But when have you seen the military say anything about them?
6. The continuous refusal of our military to take accountability for its inactions and actions must cease if we are to build a credible democracy.
7. Jamal served his country well and to the highest level as a distinguished officer. He brought so much goodwill and shine to the Army. He served his time and decided to leave to pursue other things.
8. He deserves respect! Even when he criticizes the military in the hopes that it improves its service to Ghanaians.
9. Hopefully the media and the public see through this deliberate attempt at silencing and scoffs at it.
