The “Fake Soldier” in the Protocol Recruitment Video Is Arrested by the GAF.
In a widely shared video, Alex Cobbinah, a young man who posed as a soldier and falsely claimed that President-elect John Dramani Mahama intended to fire all soldiers hired through formal channels, was arrested by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). Cobbinah was shown in the video brandishing military gear and wearing a Ghana Navy vest while delivering what the GAF called false and misleading statements. Following enquiries, it was discovered that Cobbinah had posted several videos on social media in which he pretended to be a soldier while dressed in military uniform. At his home in Madina Zongo Junction, Accra, Cobbinah was captured by the Military Police. He has since been turned over to the Ghana Police Service for additional examination and potential legal action.
GAF issued a statement warning the public not to deal with middlemen or agents who demand money in order to obtain membership in the military. They emphasised that paying such agents entails complicity in fraud and advised anyone aware of such operations to report them to the closest military installation or police station. Additionally, GAF warned the public that violation of National Liberation Council Decree (NLCD) 177 of 1967 occurs when military uniforms or equipment are used without authorisation. They cautioned others against doing so in order to prevent being prosecuted.
