Security and legal experts are urging authorities to follow due process when arresting civilians found wearing military camouflage, following the violent clash between youth and soldiers at Nyinahin in the Ashanti Region.
Speaking on Bullet TV’s News Night with Nana Yaw Fianko (The Speaker), Security Expert Nana Appiah Owusu stressed that although the law prohibits civilians from possessing military uniforms or accoutrements, it does not grant security personnel the right to assault or shoot suspects.
He warned that easy access to military uniforms on the open market could embolden criminals and illegal groups, citing the use of camouflage by illegal miners as an example. Nana Appiah emphasized that the law clearly forbids unauthorized possession of military items but stressed that enforcement must respect human rights and due procedure.
“There are clear security concerns with civilians possessing military-related uniforms, including impersonation and threats to public safety,” Nana Appiah Owusu stated.
“However, any arrest must be done within the legal framework. No military officer has the right to manhandle or shoot a civilian simply for wearing camouflage.”
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Private Legal Practitioner Richard Nii Armaah supported this view, explaining the legal interpretation. According to him, Section 5 of Ghana’s Armed Forces Act defines military uniforms and includes police and prison service uniforms. He clarified that civilians found wearing any such uniforms are committing a crime.
However, he cautioned that enforcement must be through lawful arrest and prosecution, not by violence.
“Even if a person is committing murder, the security agencies have no right to shoot them on sight. Arrest, investigation, and court processes must be followed,” Lawyer Nii Armaah emphasized. “Any security official who unlawfully kills a suspect can also be prosecuted.”
He added that under the amended law, offenders face a fine of up to GHS 3,000 or imprisonment ranging from one month to five years.
The call for adherence to due process follows public outrage after a young man was shot dead by soldiers during a confrontation at Nyinahin allegedly over wearing camouflage.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu