US-military agreement: Charge Defence Minister for treason – Asiedu Nketiah

General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah wants Defense Minister Dominic Nitiwul investigated and charged for treason for his involvement in the US-military agreement.

The NDC General Secretary, who was speaking to Johnnie Hughes on TV3 New Day, is demanding that the minister is relieved of his post and brought before the law.

“I have stated my view that he should have not only been relieved of his post but maybe they should investigate him and bring him before the law for treason because subverting the sovereignty of a nation is a very grievous offence.”

According to Asiedu Nketiah, the Defence Minister has not dealt well with issues regarding the military agreement with the United States.

The General Secretary further stated that Dominic Nitiwul did not exhibit any sense of worry on what the consequences would be for the security of the country.

“I very much think the Defence Minister should be sacked for something like such a crucial agreement signed on behalf of the country. I am not sure he recognizes the burden he is carrying and that is why he is approaching this work in such lackadaisical manner,” Asiedu Nketiah said.

He also condemned the posturing of some ministers under the NPP government on the issue, making specific reference to Information Minister Mustapha Abdul Hamid.

“The Minister of Defense and Information have disappointed me so much, because they continue making statements that cast the government in a certain bad light and I do not think the NPP government deserves that humiliation.”

“If they do not understand the value of sovereignty they should watch what is happening on the international scene now between Russia and UK,” he pointed out.

The NDC General Secretary added that the agreement with the United States gives the US some form of immunity from immigration laws.

“What they are referring to, are for specific purposes, and you are giving them immunity to come here without visas. They are not subject to our laws, and even the immigration cannot take them back if they do something found to be offensive of our laws.”

Meanwhile, the Defence Minister had stated emphatically that the agreement would not lead to the establishment of a US military base in the country.

According to him, an American military base has not less than 4,000 soldiers and maximum of about 20,000 soldiers, which Ghana does not have the land to enable it accommodate such figures.

US ambassador to Ghana, Robert Jackson also came out to reject news making the rounds that the US is to establish a military base here in Ghana.

Meanwhile, Parliament on Friday, March 23, ratified the military agreement between Ghana and the United States.