AN ACCRA-based Road Safety advocate has expressed grave concern over the influx of a number of 4×4 military look-alike vehicles into the country.
Mr. Osei Kwabena said the said vehicles of a number of 4X4 mostly Jeep, with military colours and other accessories attached have clear semblance of the military.
In a statement issued last Friday to the media, Mr. Osei Kwabena said the emerging situation poses a threat to National security and called on the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service (GPS), National Investigations Bureau (NIB), the Military High Command and National Security, among others, whose duty it is, to nose and fish out such smouldering security threats.
He referred to a press statement by the Military High Command not quite long ago warning civilians to stay clear of military accoutrements and clothing among others which have semblance of the military.
The Military Uniforms and Equipment Ac 1967 N.L.C.D. 177 does not allow Military uniforms to be worn by civilians and that it is an offence for unauthorized persons to sell or buy military uniforms.
It says in part that “No person shall sell or buy any military uniform, equipment, accoutrements or other material unless he is authorized”.
Mr. Osei Kwabena’s concern is premised on the fact that the Ghanaian market is currently being flooded with such military coloured vehicles despite the said press releases by the Military High Command and the law.
The concerned road safety advocate bemoaned why the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Authority (DVLA) is perpetuating this illegality by licencing such vehicles to hover on our roads without compelling them to change the colour.
He said it beats his comprehension as a layman to allow such practice saying “its security ramification is pregnant and needs no restatement.”
Mr. Osei Kwabena noted that either those in charge are not on top of their duties and/or the security ramifications have never prickled their conscience.
He, therefore, called on the state agencies namely the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service (GPS), National Investigations Bureau (NIB), the Military High Command and National Security to wake up from their deep slumber and act and do the needful.
“The time to wake up and act is now” he said and stressed that they should not wait till the untoward happened before they do the needful.
By Kow Richardson
Kumasi
