Kwesi Pratt Jnr questions Ghana-US defence cooperation agreement over sovereignty concerns

Veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr has expressed concerns over Ghana's 2018 Defence Cooperation Agreement with the United States. Speaking at the 15th Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Lecture at the University of Cape Coast on September 18, where he was also awarded a Doctor of Letters, Mr Pratt called for Ghanaians to critically examine the agreement and demand accountability regarding decisions that affect the country's national interests.

The agreement, which came into effect in May 2018, outlines a framework for enhanced defense cooperation between Ghana and the United States.

Addressing the attendees, Mr Pratt questioned several provisions of the agreement as raising concerns about Ghana's sovereignty. One concern, he said, was that the agreement prevents Ghana from seeking compensation if US soldiers destroy property while stationed in the country. Another issue, he highlighted, is that US soldiers are granted free use of Ghana's national frequencies, while Ghanaian television operators are required to pay for using these frequencies.

As a media executive, Mr Pratt expressed disappointment in the fact that Ghanaian television operators, who serve the public interest, cannot access frequencies for free, while US soldiers can do so.

Mr Pratt lamented the failure of successive governments to protect Ghana's dignity and to uphold the vision of the country's first president, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah. He accused these governments of deliberately undermining Nkrumah's legacy and of continuously electing leaders who do not respect Ghana's dignity. The journalist urged Ghanaians to demand greater accountability from their governments over decisions and agreements that impact the nation's interests, expressing hope that people would eventually voice their discontent and demand change.