The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has described as impostor, a man in military uniform, Private Asare Boateng, who is alleged to have stolen GHS23,000 from a civilian.
GAF stated categorically that the suspect is neither a soldier nor a Bandsman at the Signal Regiment or a Civilian Staff as purported by the media space.
A statement from GAF said the Military Police in Takoradi arrested the suspect dressed in a camouflage uniform, for posing as a Soldier and extorting monies from unsuspecting civilians at Elmina in the Central Region.
“GAF, therefore, wishes to emphasise that the suspect (Asare Boateng) is not a Soldier and not affiliated to any Unit of the Ghana Armed Forces contrary to the reports in the media and therefore should not be regarded as such.
It explained during interrogation, the suspect “confessed to engaging in impersonation and extortion.”
He was thus handed over to the Kwasimintim Police Station in Takoradi for further action as required by law.
GAF, expressing its displeasure over the manner the media reported the matter in that regards entreated the media to take advantage of its open-door policy and to seek clarifications on such matters in order to avoid the publication of misleading reports that drag the image of the arm forces into disrepute.
“GAF also wishes to assure the general public that it will continuously work with all stakeholders to weed out criminal elements in society, including uniformed personnel who engage in illegal activity so that the nation can have a secure environment for socio-economic development,” it said.
