We have no plan of building a ‘military base’ in Ghana- US government

The United States Embassy in Ghana has said it has no intentions whatsoever of establishing a Military base in Ghana contrary to reports.

In a statement MYNEWSGH.com sourced from the Embassy said the “United States has not requested, nor does it plan to establish a military base or bases in Ghana.”

“The current Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between the United States of America and the Republic of Ghana is approximately 20 years old. It does not cover the current range and volume of bilateral exercises and assistance”, the statement added.

The US Embassy stated that the US government was “investing over $20 million in training and equipment for the Ghanaian armed forces. Ghana is also once again preparing to train U.S. forces – as it did in 2017.”

“The United States and Ghana are planning three joint security exercises in 2018, which require access to Ghanaian bases by U.S. participants and those from other nations when included”, the statement added.

They deferred all further questions to the Government of Ghana.

MYNEWSGH.com this dawn broke the news about an agreement headed to parliament on the establishment of a US Military base in Ghana.

According to the document first intercepted by MYNEWSGH.com, the US military will use Ghana as a base to deploy its soldiers and will “possess and carry arms in Ghana, while on duty if authorized to do so, by their orders, such authorization being made in consultation with the appropriate authorities of Ghana. Military personnel may wear their uniforms while performing official duties.”

According to the document, “United States Contractors shall not be liable to pay tax or similar charge assess within Ghana in connection with this agreement”. The US military is also authorized to control entry to the facilities meant for the exclusive use of their forces.

“This Agreement sets forth a framework for enhanced partnership and security cooperation between the Parties with the aims of strengthening their defence relationship further and addressing shared security challenges in the region, including those relating to the protection of Government personnel and facilities.

“This Agreement clarifies access to and use of agreed facilities and areas by United States forces, thereby facilitating training, including to maintain unit readiness, combined exercises, and other military engagement opportunities.