The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has refuted claims circulating in the media that military personnel were deployed to interfere with proceedings of Parliament during the Fifth Meeting of the Fourth Session.
The statement, signed by Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations at GAF, categorically denies these reports, calling them false and aimed at tarnishing the military’s reputation.
“On Monday 21 October 2024, the Speaker of Parliament, Right Honourable Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, through the Clerk of Parliament formally requested security assistance from GAF for routine Canine and Bomb Sweeps of the Chamber.”
Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations at GAF
The GAF statement emphasized that their personnel were deployed solely for the purpose of ensuring the safety of Parliamentarians and the general public. Their role was limited to conducting checks for explosive devices or other harmful substances in and around the Grand Arena, in keeping with standard security measures.
This procedure typically takes place on the first sitting day of the week, which is usually a Tuesday. Given that Parliament is currently holding its sittings at the AICC instead of its traditional house, security sweeps of the Chamber were deemed necessary.
GAF further noted that this type of request is a routine aspect of ensuring the safety and security of the legislative process, and it was in no way intended to disrupt or interfere with parliamentary proceedings.
Instead, it was strictly in the interest of maintaining a secure environment for Members of Parliament (MPs) and other attendees.
“We also urge media outlets to refrain from disseminating false information and to report responsibly on matters of public interest.”
Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations at GAF
Brigadier General Aggrey-Quashie underscored the damaging effect such false reports can have, as they not only mislead the public but also seek to tarnish the image of GAF, which has long been committed to upholding the safety and security of the nation.
Official Request from Parliament
A letter signed by Camillo Pwamang, Deputy Clerk to Parliament, confirmed the formal request for security assistance from the Ghana Armed Forces.
“The Rt Hon Speaker respectfully requests the Ghana Armed Forces to provide security assistance for the conduct of Parliamentary Business from Tuesday, 22nd October, 2024.”
Camillo Pwamang, Deputy Clerk to Parliament
The request for security support came in the aftermath of a series of public commentaries and discussions following proceedings on Thursday, October 17, 2024. During those proceedings, the Minority Leader called on the Speaker to declare the seats of four MPs vacant, invoking articles 97 (1) (g) and (h) of the Constitution, which addresses the vacation of seats under specific circumstances.
Given the heightened political tensions surrounding this issue, the Speaker found it prudent to ensure that additional security measures were in place during parliamentary sittings.
The letter from the Deputy Clerk made it clear that the role of the GAF was limited to securing the environment and ensuring that any potential threats to the safety of Parliament were addressed.
The Deputy Clerk further reiterated the Speaker’s request that the GAF continues to provide these security services on the first sitting day of each week as long as Parliament convenes at the Grand Arena of the AICC.
The Ghana Armed Forces emphasized that all operations it undertakes are geared towards protecting the country and its democratic institutions, and it called for greater responsibility on the part of the media in reporting on such sensitive issues.
GAF urged media outlets to verify information before publishing it and to refrain from spreading false reports that could harm public trust and confidence.
The military stressed that inaccurate and sensationalist reporting only serves to undermine the work of institutions that are dedicated to safeguarding the nation’s security and democratic processes.
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