The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has arrested a man identified as Alex Cobbinah for his involvement in a viral video where he falsely presented himself as a soldier.

The video, which featured Cobbinah wearing a Ghana Navy vest and displaying other military items, alleged that President-elect John Dramani Mahama planned to dismiss soldiers recruited into the GAF through protocol means.

A statement issued by GAF on Tuesday, December 17, said investigations revealed that Cobbinah had uploaded multiple videos on social media, pretending to be a member of the military while wearing official accoutrements.

It said that following thorough inquiries, the Military Police located and apprehended him at Madina Zongo Junction in Accra.

Cobbinah has since been handed over to the Ghana Police Service for further investigations and potential prosecution.

GAF stated that this action aims to deter others from engaging in similar fraudulent activities. They reiterated their zero-tolerance stance on impersonation and recruitment fraud.

"The public is hereby cautioned that anyone who pays monies to agents or individuals with the hope of securing enlistment into GAF is equally culpable in the fraudulent act. It is important to highlight that the National Liberation Council Decree (NLCD) 177 of 1967 remains in effect. 

This decree explicitly states: "No person shall wear or use any military uniforms, equipment, or accoutrements or other material unless he or she is a member of the Armed Forces of Ghana." 

GAF further urged the public to report any suspicious activities involving unauthorised use of military uniforms or fraudulent recruitment schemes to the nearest military installation or police station.

This proactive approach, they stated, is vital to maintaining public safety and protecting the integrity of the armed forces.