Soldiers were deployed to Parliament on Speaker's request - GAF

Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has explained that the military was deployed to Parliament on Tuesday based on a request from the Speaker of Parliament.

They were there to provide security assistance for routine Canine and Bomb Sweeps of the Chamber.

A press statement dated October 22, 2024 issued by Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quarshie explained that "this standard procedure is conducted on the first sitting day of the week, typically Tuesdays, whenever Members of Parliament convene outside the traditional Parliament House."

He indicated "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."

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

DEPLOYMENT OF MILITARY WAS ON SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT'S REQUEST - GAF

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has noted with concern the circulation of media reports suggesting that military personnel have been deployed to the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) to interfere with proceedings of Parliament during its Fifth Meeting of the Fourth Session.

GAF wishes to emphatically state that these reports are false and should be treated with the utmost contempt.

Such misinformation among other things tarnishes the reputation of GAF.

On Monday 21 October 2024, the Speaker of Parliament, Right Honourable Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, through the Clerk of Parliament formally requested security assistance from GAF for routine Canine and Bomb Sweeps of the Chamber.

This standard procedure is conducted on the first sitting day of the week, typically Tuesdays, whenever Members of Parliament convene outside the traditional Parliament House.

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.

REQUEST FOR CANINE AND BOMB SWEEPS OF THE CHAMBER

The Rt Hon Speaker respectfully requests the Ghana Armed Forces to provide security assistance for the conduct of Parliamentary Business from Tuesday, 22nd October, 2024.

The request is necessitated by the pronouncements of the Rt Hon Speaker during proceedings of Thursday, 17m October, 2024 in response to a statement by the Hon Minority Leader calling on the Speaker to declare the seats of four Members of Parliament vacant pursuant to articles 97 (1) (g) and (b) of the Constitution and the public commentaries arising therefrom.

As indicated by the Rt Hon. Speaker in his Notice on the Commencement of the Fifth Meeting of the Fourth Session, Parliament is currently sitting at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC). The Rt Hon Speaker would therefore be grateful if the Ghana Armed Forces would conduct canine and bomb sweeps of the Chamber on the first sitting day of the week (mostly Tuesdays).
You may contact the Deputy Marshals of Parliament, Lt Col Samuel K Ofosu (Rtd) and Wg Cdr Frederick Bawa (Rrd) on 0244266390 and 0244722920 respectively for further details.

The Rt. Hon Speaker counts on your usual cooperation.