Since the issuance of the Directive under the NLC Decree 177 (1967), some musicians had to be disallowed from performing at events and TV shows with military gear at their disappointment with a limited option to find a suitable clothing to complement the concept of their performance.
Recently, Hiplife artiste, Sidney was stopped by producers from performing in a camouflaged outfit at TV3’s live performance show, Music Music. The musician described the action as ‘uncomfortable’ because his act was uncompleted by the military attire to better explain the message he is putting across.
According to Lieutenant Commander L. A. Anyane of the Ghana Armed Forces Public Relations Directorate, the directive is very effective hence the need for all civilians to abide by it.
“The directive is very effective, therefore, any civilian who overrules it will face the required punishments. If a musician or even a movie producer wants to use the military uniform or any other accoutrement; the requirement is very simple.
“The movie producer, musician, religious leader, etc. will have to present a prior notice letter stating all facts and purposes for wanting to use the accoutrements and also the duration for which he will need it.
But at the end of the duration granted; if the user defies the use of the uniforms, he or she will be culpable for accoutrement violation,” Lieutenant Commander Anyane said.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in 2012 issued the first directive indicating that the use of military pattern uniforms and other accoutrements by civilians and unauthorized persons is prohibited under NLC Decree 177 (1967).
The NLCD 177 act called the ‘Restriction on use of Military Uniforms and Equipment Decree, 1967’ was issued after a close observation by the GAF with great concern on the use and unrightfully wearing of its institution’s accoutrements by some musicians and religious leaders for video clips and churches as well as criminals, who wear the attire for their mischievous operations.
The act also provide in part that no person shall wear or use any military uniform, equipment, or accoutrements or other material-like unless he or she a member of the Armed Forces of Ghana, a member of any other armed forces entitled by law or by diplomatic usage.
Ex-servicemen wearing or using such uniforms, 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 the any military gear.
The Directive signed by the Directorate of Public Relations was issued to News Editors at various media houses including GTV, TV3, Metro TV, Net 2 TV, TV Africa, e-TV, Viasat 1 TV, Peace FM, Joy FM, Oman FM, GBC Radio, Radio XYZ, Radio Gold, Choice FM, GNA, Daily Graphic, Ghanaian Times, New Crusading Guide, Daily Dispatch, Accra Daily Mail, Ghanaian Observer, The Finder, The Globe, The Ghanaian Chronicle and Daily Guide.
