The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has urged members of the public to desist from the unlawful use of military-pattern uniforms and accoutrements.
According to GAF, it observed the use of such items by protesters during the recent demonstrations in Accra by Democracy Hub and other groups, despite the continuous education and warnings issued to the general public against the practice.
“During the recent demonstrations in Accra by Democracy Hub and other groups, it was observed that some protesters and persons purported to be providing private security to some dignitaries were 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. Conversely. these unauthorised acts are in contravention of the National Liberation Council Decree (NLCD) 177 of 1967, which is still in force. This Decree in part states that: “no person shall wear or use any military uniforms. equipment, or accoutrements or other material unless he or she is a member of the Armed Forces of Ghana,” a statement issued by the Public Relations Unit of GAF said.
According to the GAF, 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.
“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 therefore seeks the cooperation of the general public to curb the use of military uniforms and accoutrements especially during future protests.”
It stressed that “Those who continue to violate this law would be arrested.”
Source: Kasapafmonline.com
