Artistes et al to be jailed for unauthorized use of military uniforms

Director of Public Relations at the Ghana Armed Forces Colonel Eric Aggrey-Quashie has warned that musicians and individuals who use military uniforms as props and other things risk serving jail terms for doing so without proper authorization. Speaking in an interview with 3news.com‘s Owusu Worae, Col. Aggrey-Quashie said punishment for the unauthorized use of military gear is a fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or both. Section 4 of the ‘Restriction on the Use of Military Uniforms and Equipment Act 1967 (NLCD 177) states that “Any person who contravenes any provision of this decree commits an offense and is liable of conviction to a fine or to imprisonment to a term not exceeding one year or to both fine and imprisonment.” He noted his office operates an open-door policy which allows persons who want to use their uniforms to easily walk into their offices to seek permission, stressing that the Ghana Armed Forces has in the past provided direction and assistance. “We have film producers, we give them uniform, we give them equipment, vehicles and those things o shoot their films. We give it to them, but those things are controlled.” He explained that criminals use military uniforms to perpetuate crime, hence, the need to ensure the law works and no one wears the uniform without authorization. “People are now committing a lot of criminal activities using military uniforms. For now, a lot of people don’t know about the law, but ignorance of the law is no excuse.” While encouraging celebrities who may need the uniform for performances to seek authorization, he cautioned, offenders will be made to face the full rigors of the law. Source: 3news.com|Ghana        ]]>