Minority Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has responded to comments made by the US Ambassador to Ghana on the Ghana-US military agreement, describing it as very 'regrettable'.
In an interview on Thursday, US Ambassador Robert P. Jackson suggested that a $20 million dollar investment in the Ghana Armed Forces in one year as part of the Ghana-US military agreement was a ‘pretty significant return’ that Ghana ought to be grateful for.
He added that the presence of US military in Ghana will not be an invasion but to undertake three military exercises this year, after which they will leave.
However responding to the comments, Okudzeto expressed that he was disappointed in hearing the Ambassadors response, stressing that Ghana's security is 'not for sale'.
"I am unhappy and really depressed hearing that. The Ambassador should not be telling us that $20million is a good return, no! You see, our bilateral relations should go beyond monetary terms, and when the discussion is about sovereignty, it's about our image, it's about Ghana’s peace and security, we should not be talking monetary terms,†the MP said.
He further questioned: “Will any country in this world, any country that has patriotic citizens, where they value their nation and respect themselves, be putting up sovereignty for sale? So it shouldn’t be reduced to a discussion on monetary value.â€
The Defence Cooperation Agreement which is currently before parliament has raised several concerns from the general public with the Minority in Parliament seeking to withdraw from the agreement as it doesn't serve Ghana's interest.
Ghana, per the agreement, is to bear the cost and take primary responsibility for securing facilities for the US military.
The US troops are also to be allowed to use Ghana’s radio spectrum for free. They will also enjoy tax exemptions.