Military base: NDC will discontinue arrangement in 2020 - Ablakwa

Member of Parliament for North Tongu and Minority Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, says Ghana's current defence cooperation arrangement with the United States, will be discontinued when the National Democratic Congress (NDC) assumes power in 2020.

Cabinet has reportedly approved granting unrestricted access to a host of Ghanaian facilities and wide-ranging tax exemptions to the United States Military.

The agreement will permit the U.S. Military to use Ghana as a base for staging and deploying forces.

The United States Embassy in Ghana has however denied the reports adding that the United States of America is 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.

It said it is only planning joint security exercises with Ghana, which will require that US military personnel are allowed access to Ghana’s military facilities.

In an interview with Kaakyire Ofori Ayim on “Simpieso” Tuesday evening, Member of Parliament for North Tongu and Minority Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa explained that the minority will vote against the agreement and stage a walkout after their submission.

He mentioned that the Akufo -Addo administration embarked on a risky path by not consulting other political parties’ and stakeholders on the agreement knowing that they could handover power anytime.

He added that the minority will not be a part of an agreement that will undermine the integrity of the country.

“We have made it very clear to the US authorities, we will not be a part of any agreement that will yield no benefits to the country. How much will you sell your sovereignty for? How much will you sell your birthright for?”, he asked.