General News of Tuesday, 3 April 2018
Source: mynewsgh.com
2018-04-03
Charles Kofi Wayo was leader of United Renaissance Party (URP)
Popular politician, ‘showboy’ and founder of the now defunct United Renaissance Party (URP), Mr Charles Kofi Wayo has broken his silence over the United States Military deal with the government of Ghana.
The maverick politician who many say had deep connection among the United States defence establishment and contractors before relocating permanently to Ghana opened up to MYNEWSGH.com in an exclusive interview over the weekend.
The former politician who just last year said he believes the only time Ghanaians will agree to vote for him to be President is the time when Ghanaians begin to wise up; told MYNEWSGH.com about his disappointment in Ghanaian politics but stating clearly that he was not surprised about the turn of events regarding the U.S military deal with Ghana.
According to him, the United States he knows will use their brains and know what they want and plot to get it when they want it without any delays.
He said Ghana was “totally outsmarted” in the deal.
“They got a deal, a sweet sugar deal, they are done… they will make more out of it than we know. That’s the bye-law of capitalism. Buy high, sell low, make extra profits. So don’t blame America, blame your leaders. America itself is not blaming China. Blame your leaders.”
In the exclusive interview with MYNEWSGH.com he said “They have outsmarted Ghana. Oh yes, they have.”
He said Ghana made itself cheap as a country to be bought even after we were insulted by Trump.
“Blackman has been given $20 million and he is jubilating heeeeyy heeeyyyy. It’s a game and we have lost. I know it is an insult. But we lost”, he told MYNEWSGH.com
He said those Ghanaians blaming the United States are as dumb as the leaders who agreed to give the United States what he calls ‘sweet sugar deal’ for which the Americans should be happy.
‘They are the done, they will reap very well, they will get huge returns and profits, and you know that’s capitalism. How much did Ghana get? Don’t blame America, blame your leaders.”
But Mr Kofi Wayo also added that the NDC minority are only making noise because the $20million dollars is going to the NPP, not them, making a reference to the supposed 1998 agreement between the United States and Ghana.
Further, he expressed disappointment in the media who were supposed to lead the education of the citizens but failed to do so, because the radio, newspapers and TVs are owned by the same ”God-damned’ politicians’.
Background
While protestors stood by the gates, and social media kept buzzing, Parliament of Ghana on Friday night went ahead to approve the controversial Defence Cooperation Agreement between Ghana and the United States but not without drama. The Minority, before the ratification of the Agreement, staged a walkout after the Report of the Committee on Defence and Interior was presented on the Floor of the House.
Not a military base.
“This agreement is not the first time. Similar ones were agreed between the countries in 1998 and 2015. And it is going to Parliament because any foreign agreement must go to Parliament, besides requests for tax waivers can only be granted by Parliament”, Mr Nitiwul tried to explain
“The United States of America is not establishing a military base in Ghana, at all…it is not true and they do not intend to do that, not at all.” He kept explaining.
He said the US has brought a Defense Corporation Agreement seeking an understanding of the status of their troops who come to Ghana to train our soldiers and vice versa.
He added that they have only asked to make use of some facilities at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) and the Tema Port to keep their cargo and other materials they may use for during their stay in the country.
But the devil is in the detail
According to the agreement Ghana will provide unimpeded access to and use of agreed facilities and areas to the U.S. forces and Contractors.
It also allows U.S. forces and their Contractors to undertake construction activities on and make alterations and improvements to agreed facilities and areas.
The U.S. forces are also authorised to control entry to the facilities meant for the exclusive use of their forces.
Ghana has also agreed to “furnish without rental or similar costs to the united states all agreed facilities and areas including those jointly used by the United States Forces and Ghana.”
“United States Contractors shall not be liable to pay tax or similar charge assess within Ghana in connection with this agreement”, the agreement said.
Import and export
The U.S. Forces may also import into and export out of, and use in Ghana any personal property equipment supplies material technology, training or services in connection with the agreement.
But most importantly such importation, exportation and use shall be exempt from any inspection, license other restrictions customs duties taxes or any other charges assess within Ghana.
The agreement also states that “aircraft, vehicles and vessels operated by or at the time, exclusively for the United States Forces may enter exit and move freely within the territory and territorial waters of Ghana.”
Such aircraft, vehicles and vessels shall also not be subject to the payment of landing parking or port fees. Cabinet also agreed that no Ghanaian official shall board and inspect any of these U.S. aircraft, vehicles and vessels without the consent of the U.S. Forces.
Radio spectrum
The U.S. Forces can also use Ghana’s radio spectrum free of charge.
Ghana has also agreed to accept as valid without a driving test or fee driving licenses or permits issued by the appropriate U.S. authorities to military personnel as well as us civilians and contractors.