Ghanaian MPs pass unpopular U.S. military deal amid controversy

A controversial military agreement between Ghana and the United States on defense cooperation has been approved by the Ghanaian parliament amid a boycott by the minority and popular protest in Accra.

The majority in parliament ratified the deal last Friday following an approval by cabinet after negotiations with the U.S. in the past eight months on the agreement that will give the U.S. military unfettered access to some facilities in Ghana.

READ ALSO: Ghanaians reject U.S. ‘military base’ after ‘secret’ deal exposé

The minority’s walkout and protests in and outside the premises of the parliament in Accra did not hold back the lawmakers who voted in support of the controversial agreement that has the United States as a major beneficiary.

Ghana is expected to get $20 million annually from the agreement which grants the U.S. forces and contractors “unimpeded access to and use of agreed facilities and areas” which will be furnished by Ghana “without rental or similar costs to the United States”.

“United States Forces and Contractors shall not be liable to pay tax or similar charge within Ghana in connection with this agreement” and for imports and exports, they “shall be exempt from any inspection, license other restrictions, customs duties taxes or any other charges within Ghana,” states the 12-page agreement which among others grants the U.S. free use of Ghana’s radio spectrum.

The “secret” agreement was made known to the public last week after it was sent to parliament for approval by Ghana’s Minister of Defence Dominic Nitiwul. The document was published by local news portals last Tuesday.

The agreement was not received well by the Ghanaian public especially after years of denial by both Ghana and the U.S. government that there were no plans to set up a base in the country.

READ ALSO: 10 key parts of the controversial Ghana-US military deal you need to know

There was a lot of backlash prompting the defense minister to react quickly by denying the reports saying the document is not a secret and the U.S. is not building a military base in Ghana.

The Minister of Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, explained that the document is a “defence cooperation agreement” between the two countries for joint training which involves the use of two building at the Kotoka International Airport.

“This agreement is not the first time and is no different from joint exercises held over the years … I have no authority to grant tax waivers,” he was quoted by the Daily Graphic, adding that the partnership is strategic to strengthen Ghanaian forces against terrorism and terror attacks.

The United States Embassy confirmed the minister’s statement saying, “The United States Embassy wishes to underscore that the United States has not requested, nor does it plan to establish a military base or bases in Ghana.”

“The United States and Ghana are planning joint security exercises in 2018 which require access to Ghanaian bases by U.S participants and those from other nations when included. We refer all questions to the government of Ghana,” the U.S. embassy added.

Read the agreement below:

Parliament to approve setting up of ‘US Military base’ in Ghana by GhanaWeb Editorial on Scribd