Lydia Wiafe, a 41-year-old hairdresser from Ejisu in the Ashanti Region, has refuted claims by certain persons on social media that she had been recruited into the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
She says the viral picture of a woman in a military uniform is not her and called on the public to disregard the images.
The widely shared photos sparked outrage due to her age and alleged affiliation with the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Madam Lydia, in an interview, revealed that the incident caused significant psychological trauma and disrupted her livelihood.
She is calling on the military and the police to help identify the person or persons responsible for the images.
“I suspect it was during one of our political rallies and events that this person took pictures of me and circulated them. A lot of people, including relatives, have been calling me, and I am not able to work to even earn a living due to this despicable act.
“The person behind the creation and circulation of these pictures should be found and exposed. This obviously could have a negative impact on my life since I could be attacked by mistake. I am living in fear because the military could come after me. This is a clear case of falsehood against my person,” she noted.
“The person behind this despicable act has dragged the name of the Ghana Armed Forces into the mud. I will appeal to the military hierarchy to ensure this person is brought to justice. I have been inundated with phone calls. I believe that when this person is found and punished, there will be finality to this matter so my name can rest 2too. I am comfortable living and working in this community. My children are also worried about this issue,” she added in an interview on Citi News.
Meanwhile, her neighbours at Ejisu Apromase in the Ashanti Region are also calling for justice.
“She cannot be enlisted into the Ghana Armed Forces, and she is not a military officer. She has been a hairdresser since. She does not have the required educational background to even be enlisted in the military,” one resident said.
“The issue is a complex one. The leadership of the Ghana Armed Forces should investigate this matter and ensure that the people behind the circulated pictures are made to face the law. She has never been a military officer. Her highest education is Form 4, and that cannot qualify her,” another said.