Ghana Armed Forces deny reports on Chinese tanks

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has refuted allegations by some sections of the media regarding the arrival of Chinese Military personnel in the country with ‘tanks’ in anticipation of the Supreme Court’s verdict on August, 29.

It has stated that the acquisition of the Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and the Chinese sales representatives accompanying GAF personnel on test drives has nothing to do with the expected verdict on the election petition.

A statement issued and signed by the Director of Police Relations of GAF, Colonel M’bwawine Atindande said, a publication carried in the Wednesday, August 21, 2013, edition of the 'Daily Searchlight' with the headline, “Ahead of Judgement Day - Chinese Military in Town,” had created an erroneous impression in the minds of the public ahead of the judgement day.

It emphasized that the APCs were acquired from China; therefore, there was the need to have representatives of the manufactures to aid in the technology transfer and ensure that both GAF and manufactures are certain that the carriers meet the required specifications.

“The Ghana Armed Force wishes to state categorically that the Armoured Personnel Carriers, which are currently engaged in test drives were acquired as part of the re-tooling of the Ghana Arm Forces, which was stated in 2009. The acquisition of the ACPs has no bearing on the forth-coming Supreme Court verdict on the election petition,” it said.

The statement assured the general public of GAFs unflinching support to the Police Service and other security agencies to ensure peace in the country at all times.