NAIMOS spokesperson Elikem Kotoko has warned traditional authorities and young people following the November 1 confrontation in Bronikrom, where an anti-galamsey task force reportedly came under attack.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, he said the incident should serve as a wake-up call. “I want this to serve rather as a warning to our traditional authorities and especially to our youth,” he stated, stressing the need for education and discipline within communities.
Kotoko condemned what he described as a reckless mindset among some young people who believe sheer numbers can overpower armed security personnel. “We need to educate our youth to stop this childish bravado of thinking that when we are in the number of 50 or 70, we can outnumber five soldiers,” he said. “They are armed, they are trained, and let’s not forget that they are state weapons.”
He said his first reaction to the viral video was to consider how quickly the situation could have spiraled. “What if the police had not been able to exert some level of control? What if the Chief Imam of the area, whose vehicle was even vandalised, had not provided a cover for them?” he asked.
Kotoko praised the soldiers for maintaining composure despite being heavily outnumbered. “Security operatives say all the time the military is trained to kill, they don’t shoot to maim,” he noted. “So for you to imagine a military officer who is fully armed and attacked by 600 plus young civilians, yet they kept their calm… I must commend them.”
He reminded the public that each officer represents the state and carries a lethal weapon. “Every military person you see is an asset with a state weapon,” he said. “When he comes under intense pressure, he would also want to protect himself, and self-preservation is always key.”
