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Emmanuel Bensah, a policy analyst with ECOWAS and the African Union, has expressed concerns over security protocols during President John Dramani Mahama’s swearing-in ceremony on January 7, 2025.
The incident in question involved Captain Ibrahim Traore, the Head of State of Burkina Faso, who approached President Mahama while visibly armed with a sidearm. This unusual occurrence has sparked public debate about the adequacy of security measures at such high-profile events.
Speaking on Eyewitness News, Bensah described the presence of the weapon as a “security risk” from a civilian standpoint, emphasizing the need for stricter protocols to ensure the safety of attendees at state functions.
“Looking at it from a civilian point of view, that was a security risk. I would want to believe that there would have been a security sweep before Ibrahim went on to greet Mahama. Nonetheless, it was a little awkward, and I hope these are some of the things we need to look at going forward. Because it is important, and anything could have happened,” Bensah remarked.
The incident has reignited discussions about the balance between diplomatic protocol and security, particularly in West Africa, where political stability remains a sensitive issue.
President Mahama’s inauguration, held at the Black Star Square in Accra, was a landmark occasion attended by global dignitaries and citizens. While the ceremony marked a significant moment in Ghana’s history, the incident has underscored the importance of revisiting and tightening security measures for future events.
