Military deployed to Parliament was upon request of Speaker Alban Bagbin — GAF clarifies

In response to media reports regarding the military presence at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) during the Fifth Meeting of Parliament, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has issued a press release to set the record straight.

Contrary to viral claims, GAF has made it clear that the deployment of personnel to the venue was not to interfere with parliamentary proceedings but was done at the formal request of Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin.

According to the press release dated October 22, GAF personnel were deployed to conduct routine security checks, including Canine and Bomb Sweeps of the Chamber, as part of standard procedure when Parliament convenes outside its traditional Parliament House.

The deployment took place on Monday, October 21, and was strictly to ensure the safety and security of Members of Parliament (MPs) and the facility itself.

This routine procedure according to GAF is common when parliamentary sittings are held at external venues like the AICC, aimed at detecting any possible explosive devices or harmful substances that could endanger the lives of attendees.

GAF emphasised that at no point were the military personnel present to disrupt or interfere with the ongoing parliamentary activities.

Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations for the GAF, expressed concern over the circulation of misinformation, stressing that it tarnishes the reputation of the Armed Forces.

He called on media outlets to act responsibly and verify their information before publishing, particularly on sensitive matters of national interest.

"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," the release from the Ghana Armed Forces said.