The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has arrested a young man in a viral video wearing Ghana Navy vest and displaying other military items in a room.
In the said video, the young man is heard sending a message to President-elect, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, alleging that the in-coming President intends to sack all soldiers who were recruited into the Ghana Armed Forces through protocol means.
A statement released by GAF said further investigations revealed that the said young man has uploaded several other videos on social media wearing military accoutrements, pretending to be a soldier.
“The Military Police commenced investigations and successfully located and arrested the individual involved. He was identified as Alex Cobbinah who resides at Madina Zongo Junction in Accra. The Military Police has subsequently handed over Alex Cobbinah to the Ghana Police Service for further investigations and possible prosecution to serve as deterrent to others,” the statement said.
“GAF further wishes to reiterate that individuals who present themselves as middlemen, intermediaries or agents demanding payment in order to assist any candidate(s) should be reported to the nearest military installation or Police Station. The public is hereby cautioned that anyone who pays monies to agents or individuals with the hope of securing enlistment into GAF is equally culpable in the fraudulent act.
“It is important to highlight that the National Liberation Council Decree (NLCD) 177 of 1967 remains in effect. This decree explicitly states: “No person shall wear or use any military uniforms, equipment, or accouterments or other material unless he or she is a member of the Armed Forces of Ghana.” Moreover, the misuse of military attire can facilitate impersonation and enable criminal activities, posing a serious threat to public safety. In light of the security implications of these illegal acts, we urge the public to report any suspicious activities involving unauthorised military attire,” the statement added.
