The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) is warning all citizens, particularly protesters, who use military-pattern uniforms and accoutrements to immediately put a stop to it or get arrested.
GAF is concerned the tendency is on the ascendancy.
It cites how the recent #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration had some protesters and persons purported to be providing private security for some dignitaries dressed in military-pattern camouflage uniforms and other accoutrements.
“The probability for these individuals being wrongly perceived to be GAF personnel has the propensity of drawing the image of GAF into disrepute,” GAF said in a statement dated Thursday, October 12.
The statement, signed by Naval Captain MA Larbi, noted that the tendency is an infraction of the National Liberation Council Decree (NLCD) 177 of 1967 “which is still in force”.
“It is worth mentioning that besides the illegality of the use of the uniforms, accoutrement and equipment by these protesters, others with criminal motives use them to impersonate and outwit unsuspecting members of public in order to perpetuate crime,” the statement further said.
“Noting that these acts create a sense of insecurity in the country and tarnishes the image of the military, GAF would not allow this situation to persist and will henceforth effect the arrests of culprits to face the full rigors of the law.”
GAF urged cooperation from the public in its effort to enforce this, especially for future protests.
“Furthermore, the GAF wishes to assure the general public of its commitment to protecting the citizenry and territorial integrity of Ghana at all times,” the military assured.
“It therefore requires the support of all to enforce measures in the interest of the needed peace and security.”