Following the mass agitations by the vast majority of Ghanaians against the NPP government’s acceptance through parliamentary order for the establishment of Ghana- US troops Base in Ghana.
Pressure Groups, Civil Societies, Labour Unions, representatives of Political Parties, National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), Pan- Africans from the Diaspora, Policy Think Tanks, Former appointees of government, as well as other progressive forces are among several
Hundreds of ordinary citizens who converged at the Obra Spot dawn on Wednesday to partake in the much Publicized demonstration dubbed ” PutGHANAfirstDEMO, in Accra.
The program which kicked started at 6am Wednesday morning saw a number of people cladded in red arm band, red and black outfits amidst chanting, singing , drumming and fizzling of ‘vuvuzela’ trumpets.
Several Political bigwigs, groups of like minds from the academia stocks, the managing editor of the insight newspaper, Mr Kwesi pratt junior( Historian and Pan Africanist) the General Secretary of the NDC: Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, and National Chairman Kofi Potorfi, Past and Current Lawmakers in Parliament, Such as: Deputy minority leader Hon. James Klutse Avedzie, Chairman of the Covention People’s Congress ( PNC) the supreme bankroller of the All People’s Congress( APC) as well as the presence of the former Veep of Ghana, His Excellency Kwesi Bekoe Amissah Arthur spectacled the whole demonstration in it prominence stature.
The walk which commenced at 08 : 35am from the Obra spot , passed through some notable principal streets at Adabraka , through to Osu and its environs, and ended up at the “Hearts Park” within the Klotey Korley Constituency of the Greater Accra Region.
However participants in the demonstration kept ballooning as the walk progressed through the selected passages and designated routes allotted them by the Ghana Police Service through the organizers of the program.
The director of Operations of the Ghana Police Service, Superintendent Kwesi Ofori advised the demonstrators to stick to the rules of engagement of the demonstration and further assured his outfits maximum cooperation and protection.
The event however didn’t record any feud or acrimony. And the organizers described it as relatively peaceful.
It was a sight to behold since onlookers and bystanders as well as market folks, hawkers cheered and applauded the teaming gallants freedom fighters whose quest was against the Ghana- US military deal which have gained legitimacy in Parliament where the minority caucus were said to have resented to (The defense cooperation military agreements between Ghana and US) the pact, and thereby staged a walk out from the chamber’s of parliament, few weeks ago.
After the 12- kms stretch of walk ended at the traditional “Hearts Park” in Accra with loads of enthusiasms.
The organizsers; The Ghana First Patriotic Movement, took turns to address the gathering who in spite of their wobbling feet and dehydration deficiencies remained very resolute in tandem with zeal and determination.
Caring placards were displayed at the events, amidst stunning inscriptions against President Akuffo Addo. Such as
“Ghana is a shithole”
“Ghana can’t be sold for UDS20m”
“Our future is at stake, Mr. President”
“2020 we go show NANA”
“Cheap shithole Government”
“Military Base: Terrorist Attack”
” Akufo Bin Addo”
“Please hear our cry mr President”
They persisted in singing and chanting dirges and the Ghana National Anthem to depict their tacit solidarity and displeasure against the Akufo Addo government for giving clearance to the US to set up a military Base in Ghana.
Speaker after Speaker stated their position, about the deal which comes with UDS 20 million package for the state. They described the whole process as a charade and an affront to the sovereign- will of the Ghanaian People.
Similarly, they further stressed that the immunity clauses in the entire agreement smacked of bad faith. Since it would stifle the developmental drive of Ghana and subsequently gives a power of attorney to the US representatives (US troops) who will reside in Ghana for their military intelligence and surveillance treaty.
On his part the leader of the All People’s Congress (APC) Dr. Hassan Ayariga bemoaned a section of the agreement which states in no uncertain terms that, this said deal has no limit in duration. And seemingly taunts the government for such a gross misdemeanor and blatant disregard for the 1992 constitution.
He revealed that the agreement again, bars the US troops from tax exemptions on grounds of importation and exportation of goods brought in by the foreign troops.
Meanwhile, the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) decried the agreement as an indictment on the sovereign state of Ghana. And called for mass protest against such an opaque deal and demanded that President Akufo Addo rescind his discision and do wider consultations with relevant stakeholders.
He also proclaimed and reechoed that there are several countries in Sub- Sahara Africa which have decoded such immunities affirmed by the security pact of the US, when they sought to established similar deal and bases’ in those respective countries. Mr Nketiah cited Kenya as a fact- checked.
He concluded his submission on the podium by courting the support of well meaning Ghanaians who have the sovereignty of the state at heart, to join forces against this treacherous agreement by the United State of America which has been anchored and Okayed by Government and the august house of Ghana.
Nana Dobge|ahotoronline.com|Ghana
