President John Mahama used a commercial flight because the presidential jet has been sent for repair
Security analyst Andrews Asiedu Tetteh says it is not really a security threat if the President of Ghana decides to use a commercial flight for official duties.
He was responding to a question about whether it would be a security threat for a sitting president to use a commercial flight for official duties.
The response follows an intensive debate over whether the security of the president was compromised by his use of a commercial flight for his Japan and Singapore travels.
Speaking in an interview on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, and referring specifically to the question of whether the safety and security of the President would be compromised by using a commercial flight, he responded in the negative.
“No. To a large extent, no. One of the most secure areas in terms of security has to do with the aviation industry. The aviation industry prioritises the safety, security, and comfort of travellers. To even get on board a commercial flight, a lot of things go on. Apart from the searches conducted, several other security measures take place behind the scenes without your knowledge.”
He added that “if a president is going on board, his security is allowed to conduct security checks before the President gets on board the plane. These security checks are done even way ahead before the President boards the plane.”
He admitted that although something bad may occur, we have not really recorded a situation where a sitting president has been involved in any accident to warrant concerns.
Reacting to the political debate surrounding the varied opinions on whether Ghana should get a new private jet for the President, he stated that we have to allow the experts to examine the situation and propose recommendations.
He said the President will be the final authority in determining whether we need a new presidential jet based on his safety, comfort, and any other reasons.
Andrews Asiedu Tetteh said the President has a right to decide that he will continue to use commercial flights and not buy a new jet because the country is struggling economically.
He also slammed politicians for what they say in opposition and what they do while in office.
According to him, politicians, when in opposition, criticise everything and promise to be prudent and avoid reckless spending, but when they assume office, they are not even able to compromise and be prudent in their spending.
