The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has reacted strongly after a disturbing video showed a senior officer from the Ghana Air Force assaulting a female customer and a pharmacy attendant inside Burma Camp in Accra. The incident, which was captured on CCTV and went viral on social media, took place on Wednesday, October 29, and has sparked widespread outrage among Ghanaians.
The officer, identified as Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Williams Mensah, was arrested early Thursday morning by the Ghana Military Police at his residence inside the barracks. According to an official statement signed by Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director of Public Relations, Mensah is currently being investigated and will face internal disciplinary actions.
“The Ghana Armed Forces assures the general public that it will not condone any acts of assault on civilians and will not shield any soldier engaged in such,” the statement said.
What Happened Inside e-PRIDE Chemist
According to witnesses and CCTV footage, Mensah entered e-PRIDE Chemist, a pharmacy inside Burma Camp, demanding a refund of about GH¢65 for medicine he had sent a young boy to buy earlier. The attendant explained that once a drug is sold, it cannot be refunded — a standard rule in pharmacies for health and safety reasons.
That explanation reportedly angered Mensah, who started attacking the male attendant. The video shows him slapping and pushing the attendant several times before turning on a female customer who tried to intervene. He chased her outside and later returned to the shop, picked up a metallic ladder, and threatened the attendant while still demanding his refund.
Media reports later revealed that the woman who was assaulted is the daughter of a former Provost Marshal of the Military Police, one of the top officers in charge of military discipline. She sustained minor injuries and is receiving medical treatment.
A man, allegedly described as a military officer in civilian clothes, has assaulted a drugstore attendant and a female customer at a pharmacy in Burma Camp. In CCTV footage available to GHOne TV, the man is seen slapping both the woman and the attendant.
— GHOne TV (@ghonetv) October 29, 2025
According to sources,… pic.twitter.com/N4y09ITuh0
Public Backlash and Calls for Justice
The video’s release sparked a wave of outrage on social media and mainstream platforms, with many Ghanaians calling for swift justice and disciplinary action.
On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #JusticeForBurmaCampVictims and #EndMilitaryBrutality trended as users shared the clip and voiced their anger.
Rashid Tanko Computer, Acting CEO of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), described the officer’s behavior as “animalistic,” urging the security services to act quickly to restore public trust. Energy analyst Kwadwo Nsafoah Poku also weighed in on JoyNews’ AM Show, saying, “He does not deserve a counsel,”reflecting widespread frustration at recurring military misconduct.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) issued a strongly worded statement condemning the attack as “an assault on public health.” The association emphasized that pharmacists are frontline healthcare providers and called for a “thorough and transparent investigation” by both the GAF and the Ghana Police Service.
“Any form of assault against them is an attack on the safety of every Ghanaian who relies on their services,” the PSGH statement read.
Official Statement and Military Response
In its official release, the Ghana Armed Forces reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy for violence against civilians, describing the officer’s conduct as “unacceptable and unprofessional.”
The statement, signed by Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, confirmed that WO1 Mensah had been arrested and was under investigation by the Military Police. Both victims have since received medical attention and are cooperating with authorities.
The Defence Press Corps, a network of journalists covering national security, also condemned the assault but commended the military’s swift response. In their release signed by Dean Joseph Armstrong Gold-Alorgbey, they stated:
“This is not reflective of the character of the Ghana Armed Forces. The prompt arrest shows institutional resolve to uphold discipline and justice.”
Bigger Picture: Trust and Accountability
This case comes at a sensitive time for Ghana’s military, which has faced growing scrutiny over alleged acts of brutality during law enforcement and anti-mining operations. The fact that this assault occurred inside Burma Camp, the heart of the country’s defense headquarters, has only intensified calls for accountability.
Security analysts warn that such incidents, if unchecked, could erode public confidence in the armed forces. They also note that GAF’s quick response offers a chance to rebuild trust by ensuring that punishment is transparent and proportionate.
As investigations continue, the public is watching closely — not only for justice for the victims but also for proof that Ghana’s military can police its own ranks.
For now, e-PRIDE Chemist remains open, and staff members have been praised for their calmness during the attack.
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