Ghana's Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul has denied reports that Parliament has approved the establishment of a military base in Ghana by the United States of America.
Speaking in an interview on an Accra based radio station to address issues arising from a Defence Cooperation Agreement between Ghana and the United States of America, the Minister reiterated the fact that the Agreement does not permit an establishment of a Military Base in the Ghanaian jurisdiction, rather it is to further clarify the status of U.S. Military personnel and their activities with the Ghana Armed Forces.
Dominic Nitiwul continued that the Ghana Armed Forces has had a long-standing arrangement with U.S. Military when it comes to joint training and other operational activities within Ghana, hence the Agreement makes provisions of the status, rights and obligations conferred on the U.S. personnel.
The agreement also mentions access to some security installations, freedom of movements of military personnel, Air-Crafts, Vessels and other military equipment within the Ghanaian jurisdiction.
Background
An agreement between Ghana and U.S government intercepted by the media suggests that Cabinet has approved a number of Ghanaian facilities an unrestricted access and tax exemptions to the United States Military.
The agreement will permit the U.S. Military to use Ghana as a base for staging and deploying forces.
Despite the unrestricted access and tax exemptions, Ghana has also agreed to bear the cost and take primary responsibility for securing the U.S. facilities in Ghana.
The documents show that negotiation with the U.S. has been ongoing at least for the past 8 months, but Ghana’s Cabinet approved the deal on Thursday, March 8, 2018.
Also, per the agreement, The U.S. Forces may also import into and export out of, and use in Ghana any personal property, equipment, and material technology.
The agreement also states that “aircraft, vehicles and vessels operated by or at the time, exclusively for the United States Forces may enter exit and move freely within the territory and territorial waters of Ghana.â€