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No Data on Bryan Acheampong’s US Army Enlistment and Discharge – Parliament Responds to RTI Request

Introduction

In a formal response to a Right to Information (RTI) request, the Parliament of Ghana has stated that it possesses no records regarding the enlistment or discharge of Dr. Bryan Acheampong from the United States Army. The inquiry, initiated by a concerned citizen, sought official documentation verifying the military service history of the Member of Parliament for Abetifi and former Minister of Food and Agriculture. This development comes amidst Dr. Acheampong’s active participation in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer race for the 2028 general elections. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the parliamentary response, the context of the request, and the implications for the political landscape.

Key Points

Background

Dr. Bryan Acheampong is a prominent figure in Ghanaian politics, serving as the Member of Parliament for the Abetifi constituency and as a former Minister of Food and Agriculture. His career is marked by a mix of public service and private enterprise. Before entering politics, Dr. Acheampong was known to have spent time in the United States, leading to public curiosity about his activities during that period.

The specific focus on his potential service in the United States Armed Forces, particularly the US Air Force, stems from public discourse regarding his background. In Ghana, where political transparency is a subject of intense scrutiny, the military service of public officials—especially those who may have served in foreign militaries—is often a point of interest for voters and political opponents alike.

The Right to Information Act, 2019

The Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) provides a framework for public access to information held by public institutions. The Act aims to promote transparency and accountability in the functioning of public authorities. Under this law, citizens have the right to request and receive information from government bodies, including Parliament, provided the information does not fall under exempt categories (such as national security or personal privacy).

Analysis

The response from Parliament is definitive regarding the existence of official records within its walls. By stating that there is “no file indicating that details of Honourable Bryan Acheampong’s rank of enlistment or discharge from the United States Air Force… were submitted,” Parliament clarifies two potential scenarios:
1. Dr. Acheampong did not serve in the US Armed Forces.
2. He served but never submitted such documentation to the Parliamentary Appointments Committee during his vetting in 2023.

The Vetting Process

The Appointments Committee of Parliament is responsible for vetting presidential nominees for ministerial positions. During the vetting of Dr. Acheampong in February 2023, his educational and professional background was scrutinized. The absence of military discharge documents in the vetting file suggests that either military service was not claimed as a qualification for the Minister of Food and Agriculture role, or the documents were not deemed necessary or were not provided.

Political Implications

The release of this information occurs at a critical juncture in Ghanaian politics. Dr. Acheampong is currently seeking the NPP’s mandate to run for President in 2028.
* **Transparency Debate:** While the lack of records does not inherently imply wrongdoing, it shifts the burden of proof to the individual to provide external verification if such service existed.
* **Opposition Scrutiny:** In the highly competitive NPP flagbearer race, opponents may utilize this lack of parliamentary record to question Dr. Acheampong’s transparency, particularly if previous public statements suggested otherwise.
* **Voter Perception:** Ghanaian voters often value transparency regarding a candidate’s history, both locally and internationally. Ambiguities regarding time spent abroad can influence voter sentiment.

Legal and Factual Veracity

The response is based on the administrative records of the Parliament of Ghana. It is a factual statement regarding the contents of the Parliament’s filing system. It does not speculate on Dr. Acheampong’s activities outside of the parliamentary record.

Practical Advice for Verifying Public Officials’ Credentials

For citizens, journalists, and researchers seeking to verify the background of public officials, the following steps are recommended:

1. Utilize the Right to Information (RTI) Act

As demonstrated by Edison Osbert Lartey, the RTI Act is a powerful tool. When making a request:
* Be specific about the documents needed (e.g., “Certificate of Discharge,” “Enlistment Papers”).
* Identify the specific public institution holding the records (e.g., Parliament, Ministry of Defense, or the US Department of Defense).

2. Check Official Vetting Reports

Parliamentary Appointments Committees usually publish reports following the vetting of nominees. These reports summarize the documents presented by the nominee. Reviewing the official vetting report for Dr. Acheampong (dated February 2023) would provide context on what documents were officially submitted to the legislative body.

3. Direct Verification with US Authorities

If a candidate claims service in the US Armed Forces, verification can be sought through the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in the US. However, accessing military personnel records typically requires the consent of the individual or proof of death, due to the Privacy Act of 1974. Without the individual’s consent, this information is generally not publicly accessible.

4. Analyze Biographical Data

Review official biographies, CVs, and campaign manifestos. Discrepancies between official biographies and parliamentary records can provide insights into a candidate’s transparency.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Parliament of Ghana has officially clarified that it holds no records of Dr. Bryan Acheampong’s US military enlistment or discharge. This response, issued under the Right to Information Act, strictly addresses the documents held by the legislative body and does not make assertions regarding Dr. Acheampong’s activities outside of Parliament. As the NPP flagbearer race intensifies, transparency regarding candidates’ backgrounds remains a focal point for public discourse. Voters and stakeholders are encouraged to rely on official documents and verified sources when assessing the credentials of political aspirants.