The United States of America is to set up a military base in Ghana with the government of West African nation reported to have approved an agreement to that effect.
Under the agreement the US government would also have unrestricted access to facilities and enjoy tax exemptions on those facilities.
A document detailing how the agreement would be executed has been leaked to local media with some aspects indicating that the US military will use Ghana as a base to deploy its soldiers.
The government of Ghana has not made the document public to its citizens, something some analysts say portrays the secretive nature of the deal.
The document revealed that officers serving with the US Military would “possess and carry arms in Ghana, while on duty if authorized to do so, by their orders, such authorization being made in consultation with the appropriate authorities of Ghana. Military personnel may wear their uniforms while performing official duties.”
Other aspects of the document reads that “United States Contractors shall not be liable to pay tax or similar charge assess within Ghana in connection with this agreement”.
The US military is also authorized to control entry to the facilities meant for the exclusive use of their forces under the agreement yet to be sent to the country’s parliament for debate.
Ghana’s cabinet is reported to have approved the agreement last week, according to local media with the agreement document detailing that “Ghana hereby provides unimpeded access to and use of agreed facilities and areas to United State forces.
United States contractors, and others as mutually agreed. Such agreed facilities and area: or portions thereof, provided by Ghana shall be designated as either for exclusive use by Unite States forces or to be jointly used by United States forces and Ghana. Ghana shall also provide access to and use of a runway that meets the requirements of United States forces.”
Ghanaian opposition politicians are reported to be angry at the development and the details of the agreement with one of the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram Sam George telling Starr FM that “This is shameful,” the opposition legislator said, adding “we’re selling our sovereignty for nothing.”
“This is an insult to everybody and every properly minded Ghanaian should standup against it. We’re going to incur the wrath of Al-Qaeda. We are not an ally of the US, we are friends,” the MP said.
Sam George also noted that Ghana has “become the mistress of America. You can’t sell our sovereignty. We’ll use every positive defiance action. It is shameful. Our sovereignty must remain intact and won’t allow a President who is at his wits end to pander to the whims and caprices of the US.”
Statement on Status of Forces Agreement. #USinGhana pic.twitter.com/alyu6s7JTg
— US Embassy Ghana (@USEmbassyGhana) March 20, 2018
Meanwhile the country’s Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul has told Joy FM that “The United States of America is not establishing a military base in Ghana, at all…it is not true and they do not intend to do that, not at all.”
He described the media report on the said deal as an attempt to cause panic among the citizenry. There have been some reactions on social media from Ghanaians.
Our leaders are just funny old men and women who will do anything that will favor them and them only; irrespective of the damage their actions will leave behind.
If they allow the US government to establish that base here in Ghana, it’ll be the end of Ghana.— K O K U?? (@iamKoku) March 20, 2018
” But most importantly such importation, exportation and use shall be exempt from any inspection, license other restrictions customs duties taxes or any other charges assess within Ghana….. pic.twitter.com/jcfKPuwJ2I
— Twelve (@Obedtwelve) March 20, 2018
Next thing Ghana becomes a vault for nukes and biological weapons. https://t.co/DICadQ9RjC
— asare chase (@iStillChase) March 20, 2018
This govt can sometimes assume an all knowing stance but this one diere it is really really bad. I want my kids to enjoy a peaceful Ghana https://t.co/0mdG0hLawT
— NARTEY PROSPER KWAME (@nartey_kwame) March 20, 2018
We youth are chasing visions of a brighter Ghana, moving through fire and ice to build the right foundations for the future of Ghana. Back home, politicians are shooting their kids in the foot with deals and shady passes.
— Rhyme (@TKOCre8) March 20, 2018
So is only US Airforce Base which can strengthen our armed force and police. Neo colonialism gradually they will be taking over our country @KwesiPrattJnr @pknduom @KSM_Kwaku_Misa @joyonlineghana @GHOneTV @tv3_ghana @Citi973
— sakyi richmond (@richiesachie) March 20, 2018
Really a very bad decision. Ghana has since the days of Nkrumah been non aligned. Where is this idea coming from. https://t.co/y18BoUwecx
— NARTEY PROSPER KWAME (@nartey_kwame) March 20, 2018
These politicians have finally sold Ghana to America . This is madness . We don’t need a US military Base or even a room in this country
— #ProudAfrican (@francisdon2) March 20, 2018
When the president said Ghana was going to assist the US fight terrorism, I least expected this!
— Mr. Obiri-Adjei (@PKAyim) March 20, 2018
Source: Africafeeds.com
