The Presbyterian Church of Ghana has added its voice to the calls against the government sending soldiers to troubled Niger as part of ECOWAS’ standby force.
The Clerk of the General Assembly of the church, Rev. Dr Godwin Nii Noi Odonkor who spoke on the matter, said sending troops to the country will further deteriorate the peace in the sub-region.
“ECOWAS’ decision to send troops to Niger would only escalate matters and not bring the peace we want in our part of the world. We should consider the vulnerable, especially children and women, who are going to suffer immensely because of such a decision,” Rev. Odonkor said.
He added that ECOWAS should instead engage the junta to transfer power to a civilian administration without any form of violence that would harm the very people they seek to protect.
Rev. Odonkor, however, said that should the government still decide to contribute troops to the ECOWAS force, it should be done with the backing of parliament.
“The Executive cannot take such a decision alone. The decision must come from the people, and Parliament represents the people. I am sure that if Parliament is consulted, the answer will be no,” he added.
On the many coups d’ etats happening in West Africa in recent times, he urged African leaders to offer hope, promote the welfare of citizens and ensure justice for all to curb further uprisings.
This comes after others have also opposed any plans to deploy Ghanaian soldiers to Niger.
The MP said ECOWAS leaders should “stop the warmongering and give diplomacy and constructive dialogue a chance”.
He added that “Ghana’s gallant soldiers must be kept far away from the looming bloodbath”.