KEY POINTS
- GAF deployed to Parliament for routine security sweeps.
- The military’s presence was requested by the Speaker.
- GAF refutes claims of interference in parliamentary proceedings.
Ghana’s Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed that its deployment to Parliament was based on an official request from the Speaker of Parliament. The deployment was intended to provide security assistance for routine Canine and Bomb Sweeps of the Chamber.
GAF’s clarification on military presence
In its statement signed by Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quarshie, the Ghana Armed Forces was keen to point out that the deployment was normal business and is carried out every time Parliament meets outside its familiar edifice, this ordinarily done on Tuesday.
The GAF was keen to point out that the personnel were not dispatched with the intention of managing the parliamentarians but to protect the building.
“The GAF personnel were only required to do these sweeps, looking for anything undesirable such as explosives or toxic substances,” the statement said.
This was done to enhance the security of Parliament holding sits at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).
Response to media reports
The military’s statement came in response to media reports suggesting that GAF personnel were deployed to interfere with Parliament’s business during its fifth meeting.
GAF firmly refuted these claims, urging the public to disregard them. They further expressed concern that such misinformation could tarnish the reputation of the Armed Forces.
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, formally requested the military’s assistance following his pronouncements during a session held on October 17, 2024.
According to Graphic Online, the request was linked to a statement by the Minority Leader, which had led to public discussions and concerns about security.
GAF’s commitment to security
GAF restated its working firm on the protection of everyone’s safety and security, noting that its assignments are in maintenance of security.
They also called for the media not to escalate the flow of fake news and appealed to respect certain national issues while reporting.
The Armed Forces will patrol around the Grand Arena for these security sweeps as Parliament offsite business goes on to perform their security duties on the premises.
