Stan Dogbe Apologises for Shoving Army Officer at GAF Commencement

Introduction

In a notable incident that sparked widespread discussion, Stan Dogbe, Deputy Chief of Staff of Ghana, has publicly apologised after a video surfaced showing him physically pushing a Ghanaian army officer during a Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) commencement ceremony. The event, which took place on January 30, 2026, quickly gained attention on social media, raising questions about protocol, crowd control, and the conduct of public officials at state functions. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the incident, its background, analysis, and practical advice for similar situations.

Key Points

Background

Stan Dogbe holds a senior position in the Ghanaian government as the Deputy Chief of Staff. On January 30, 2026, he attended the Ghana Armed Forces commencement ceremony at the Ghana Military Academy. During the event, a video captured Dogbe physically pushing Corporal Ofosu, an army officer who was reportedly interfering with the work of a live camera operator covering the ceremony. The footage quickly went viral on social media, prompting public scrutiny and debate.

Analysis

The Incident

The video shows Stan Dogbe shoving Corporal Ofosu, who was allegedly disrupting the camera operator’s work. This action, caught on camera, led to immediate public reaction and discussion about the appropriateness of such conduct by a high-ranking official at a formal state event.

Public Reaction

The incident drew significant attention on social media platforms, with many expressing concern over the behaviour of public officials during official ceremonies. Discussions centred on the need for proper protocol, respect for security personnel, and the importance of maintaining decorum at state functions.

Apology and Reconciliation

In response to the backlash, Stan Dogbe issued a public apology on Facebook, addressing Corporal Ofosu directly. He explained that his actions were inappropriate and expressed hope that the apology would be accepted by the officer and other security personnel involved. Dogbe emphasised the importance of cooperation and leadership between civilian officials and security services during public events.

Broader Implications

This incident highlights the challenges of managing public events, especially those involving high-ranking officials and security personnel. It underscores the need for clear communication, mutual respect, and established protocols to prevent misunderstandings and maintain professionalism.

Practical Advice

For Public Officials

– **Maintain Composure:** Always remain calm and professional, even in challenging situations.
– **Respect Security Personnel:** Recognise the vital role of security staff and treat them with respect.
– **Clear Communication:** Ensure open lines of communication with event organisers and security teams to prevent misunderstandings.

For Event Organisers

– **Establish Protocols:** Develop clear guidelines for the conduct of officials and security personnel during events.
– **Training:** Provide training for all participants on expected behaviour and conflict resolution.
– **Debriefing:** Conduct post-event debriefings to address any issues and improve future events.

For Security Personnel

– **Professionalism:** Maintain a high standard of professionalism at all times.
– **Clear Instructions:** Ensure all instructions are communicated clearly and respectfully.
– **Conflict Resolution:** Be prepared to handle conflicts calmly and effectively.

FAQ

Conclusion

The incident involving Stan Dogbe and Corporal Ofosu at the GAF commencement ceremony serves as a reminder of the importance of professionalism, respect, and clear communication in public events. While the apology has been issued, the broader conversation about protocol and conduct at state functions continues. By learning from this event, officials, organisers, and security personnel can work together to ensure that future ceremonies are conducted with the dignity and respect they deserve.