A group calling itself the Organized Youth of Ashanti has served notice of a demonstration in Kumasi tomorrow [Tuesday], against the controversial Defense Cooperation Agreement between Ghana and the United States.
A similar protest was organized in Accra about three weeks ago by opposition parties vehemently opposed to the deal.
[contextly_sidebar id=”bebpxedW4sDcQ8ztk8tKlheYsyQcghb5″]According to the Chairman of the group, Charles Agyeman, the demonstration is expected to mount more pressure on the government to rescind its decision on the agreement.
“The President had a golden opportunity to explain issues to the good people of Ghana but he used the platform to insult the good people of Ghana who disagreed with him. He called those who disagree with him as nation wreckers,” he said.
He added that the demonstration is aimed at bringing together people who are opposed to the Defense Cooperation Agreement between Ghana and US to air their grievances.
President Akufo-Addo on April 5, 2018, addressed the country to clarify issues on the controversial agreement.
The agreement, that had been interpreted as a deal for Ghana to host a US-Military base, has been a subject of heated discussions, with many groups including major opposition parties kicking against it.
Some have accused the government of attempting to sell off the country’s sovereignty to the US.
But President Akufo-Addo in his address criticized persons who are challenging the agreement, indicating that, contrary to their assertions, Ghana was not hosting a US military base, and will not ever consider hosting a US military base even if requested by the US.
Details of agreement
Per the agreement, the US military force is among other things to be exempted from paying tax on the equipment to be brought into Ghana.
The US will also be given the chance to set up its own telecommunication system, but will also be allowed to use Ghana’s radio spectrum free of charge.
The document supposedly sent to Parliament by the Minister of Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, had an introductory letter signed by Cabinet’s Secretary, Mercy Debrah-Karikari.
“Cabinet at its twenty-eighth meeting held on Thursday, 8th March 2018, discussed a report presented by the Security Committee of Cabinet on a Memorandum submitted by the Minister of Defence on the above subject.”
“The Memorandum sought Cabinet approval for an Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Ghana on Defence co-operation, the Status of the United States Forces and Access to the Use of Agreed Facilities and Areas in the Republic of Ghana. Cabinet approved the Memorandum and recommend same to Parliament for ratification. I should be grateful if you could take requisite action on the decision by Cabinet,” the letter added.
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By: Farida Yusif/citinewsroom.com/Ghana
