The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has apprehended a young man named Alex Cobbinah, who posed as a soldier in a viral video. In the video, he made false allegations that President-elect John Dramani Mahama intended to dismiss all protocol-recruited soldiers.
In the viral footage, Cobbinah is seen wearing a Ghana Navy vest and displaying military items while making what GAF has described as misleading and deceptive statements. Further investigation revealed that Cobbinah had posted several videos on social media, in which he wore military attire and pretended to be a soldier.
The Military Police arrested Cobbinah at his home in Madina Zongo Junction, Accra. He has since been handed over to the Ghana Police Service for further investigation and potential prosecution.
In an official statement, the Ghana Armed Forces cautioned the public against engaging with intermediaries or agents who demand payment in exchange for enlistment into the Armed Forces. They urged individuals to be vigilant about such fraudulent activities and report them to the nearest military installation or police station, emphasizing that paying these agents constitutes complicity in fraud.
GAF also reminded the public that the unauthorized use of military uniforms or equipment is a criminal offense under the National Liberation Council Decree (NLCD) 177 of 1967. They warned citizens to refrain from such violations to avoid prosecution.