Deployment of military was on Speaker of Parliament’s request – GAF

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has noted with concern the circulation of media reports suggesting that military personnel have been deployed to the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) to interfere with proceedings of Parliament during its Fifth Meeting of the Fourth Session. GAF wishes to emphatically state that these reports are false and should be treated with the utmost contempt. Such misinformation among other things tarnishes the reputation of GAF.

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. This standard procedure is conducted on the first sitting day of the week, typically Tuesdays, whenever Members of Parliament convene outside the traditional Parliament House.

It is essential to clarify that GAF personnel were not present at the Grand Arena to interfere with Parliamentary proceedings. Their role was exclusively to conduct these routine sweeps to ensure the safety and security of the facility by checking for any explosive devices or harmful substances.

GAF remains committed to the welfare and well-being of all citizens and will always undertake assignments which aim at ensuring the security and safety of all and sundry. We also urge media outlets to refrain from disseminating false information and to report responsibly on matters of public interest.

E AGGREY-QUASHIE
Brigadier General
Director General Public Relations