The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has cautioned the public against the use and sale of military uniforms, military pattern uniforms and other accoutrements by civilians and unauthorized persons.

The GAF has observed with great concern the wearing and use of military uniforms including camouflage, equipment and other accoutrements by unauthorized persons including criminals.

A statement signed by Colonel M. Atintande, Director of Public Affairs of the GAF, and copied to the Ghana News Agency on Saturday, said there was a worrying trend where some musicians and religious leaders now wore military uniforms and military pattern uniforms for their video clips and church programmes.

The GAF said the act was in contravention of National Liberation Council Decree (NLCD) 177 (1967), which provides in part that: “No person shall wear or use uniform, equipment or accoutrements or other material unless he/she is a member of the GAF, a member of any other armed forces entitled by law or diplomatic usage, an ex-serviceman wearing or using such equipment, accoutrement or material on approved ceremonial, anniversary or other special occasion, or a person who by Executive Instrument is authorized to wear or use such uniform, equipment, accoutrement or material”.

“The Decree, additionally, prohibits the importation, sale and purchase of any military uniforms, accoutrements and material including secondhand military uniforms, accoutrements and material, notwithstanding that such uniforms, accoutrements or material has ceased to be won or used by any such Armed Forces.

“As provided in the Decree, Armed Forces also refers to the Police Service, Prison Service and other National Security Service.

“The public is, therefore, reminded that the NLCD 177 (1967) is still in force and any person who contravenes its provisions commits an offence and is liable to prosecution when arrested.

“The Civil Police, Military Police, joint military-police patrols are authorized to check the misuse and unauthorized use of these military items,” the statement said.

It urged the public to report the misuse and/or unauthorized use of military uniforms, equipment, accoutrement and material to the Military Police through telephone numbers: “0302-774015, 0302-761094 or 0302-762762 or any military unit or the nearest police station.