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Parliament Must Reject US Military Co-operation

By MyJoyOnline
Politics Parliament Must Reject US Military Co-operation
MAR 22, 2018 LISTEN

The Ghana Institute of Governance and Security (GIGS) says it is appalled by details of a military cooperation agreement between Ghana and the United States of America (USA) that could lead to the establishment of a base in Ghana.

GIGS says it wonders whether the Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul, understands the implications of the agreement which has been approved by Cabinet of Ghana.

“We want to warn the government that, this agreement will undermine National Security and sovereignty for which if compromised, it repercussion on Ghana will be severe beyond repairs.

“We have sadly also taken note of the Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul’s confirmation of the agreement and the memo to Parliament for its ratification. Indeed, GIGS believes that if the agreement stands, Ghana’s territorial boundary will be extremely exposed to dangerous threats and an extension of an invitation to potential enemies for destabilization,” GIGS Executive Director said in a release.

If the deal passes, according to the governance institute, “then Ghana will never see peace again.”.

In 2008, amidst rumours of attempts by the US to set up a military base in Ghana, to be used as its African Command Centre (AFRICOM), Ghanaians rejected the move.

It was later denied by both governments.
“For such a secret deal to be reached between Ghana and the US without recourse to public opinion, raises questions. GIGS finds the deal, in which the government of Ghana gives off so many concessions, without knowing the consequence, and without any clear benefits, as very atrocious.

“The setting up of US military base, in whatever form the Defence Minister would want Ghanaians to believe, greatly undermines the government’s appreciation of Defence Policy,” GIGS cautions further.

According to the Institute, the fact that most African countries have rejected the US’ attempt to set up a military base in those countries, speaks volumes about the dangers associated with hosting a US military base, which would easily make Ghana a target for terrorists.

GIGS is convinced that the Defence Ministry has failed Ghanaians, and may have misled Cabinet in this respect.

“A good security analysis would show that there are no benefits for Ghana, so GIGS wonders what considerations informed government’s decision to accept the deal.

“It only shows the level of weakness of Ghana’s Defense Ministry, judging from the fact that the United States has been looking for a weak government on the Africa continent and the West African sub-region to use to build its military base in Africa. The public uproar that has greeted the leakage of the documents gives an indication that the move is considered inappropriate by the majority of Ghanaians.”

GIGS has called on Parliament to reject the agreement since it does not, and will not inure to the benefit of Ghana.

“A parliamentary enquiry into the matter to uncover the underpinnings that may have influenced the consideration of the agreement would also be recommended,” GIGS said in the release issued on Wednesday.

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