Military presence was for routine security checks, not to interfere with Parliament – GAF

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has dismissed claims that their presence at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) was intended to interfere with parliamentary proceedings.

In a press statement released on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, the GAF clarified that the military deployment was purely for routine security checks.

“These reports are false and should be treated with the utmost contempt,” GAF stated, condemning the misinformation circulating in the media.

According to GAF, the military’s presence was at the request of the Speaker of Parliament, Right Honourable Alban Bagbin, who had formally asked for security assistance through the Clerk of Parliament.

The military’s role was limited to conducting routine Canine and Bomb Sweeps of the Grand Arena, where the Fifth Meeting of the Fourth Session of Parliament was being held.

This standard security measure, GAF noted, is always carried out when Parliament convenes outside its traditional chambers.

The Ghana Armed Forces reiterated their commitment to ensuring public safety, emphasizing that their presence at the Grand Arena was strictly precautionary.

They urged the media to avoid spreading misinformation, stressing that such false narratives tarnish the image of the military.

Attached below are copies of the GAF press statement and the letter from Parliament requesting for military assistance