Ghana has once again demonstrated to the world that democracy, while not without its flaws, remains one of the most effective and peaceful ways to govern a nation.
Since 1992, the country has embraced the democratic process, allowing its citizens to choose their leaders through the ballot box. This commitment to democracy has enabled peaceful transitions of power, and today’s events were no exception.
The inauguration ceremony of John Dramani Mahama, held at the iconic Black Star Square in Accra, marked another milestone in Ghana’s democratic journey.
Leaders and dignitaries from around the world, particularly those from neighbouring African countries, gathered to congratulate President Mahama on his victory and to celebrate Ghana’s enduring commitment to democratic governance.
In a symbolic show of solidarity and support, each invited president, guest, or head of state took turns greeting President Mahama with a handshake, underscoring the camaraderie and mutual respect among nations. The presence of international leaders highlighted Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy and stability in the region.
Among the distinguished guests was Captain Ibrahim Traore, the Head of State of Burkina Faso, who attended the ceremony to pay his respects. His attendance underscored the strong ties between Ghana and Burkina Faso, as well as the shared commitment to fostering regional unity and cooperation.
However, the event was not without controversy. Concerns were raised after Captain Ibrahim was visibly seen carrying a sidearm while exchanging pleasantries with President Mahama. This unusual occurrence has sparked debate, with some expressing unease about the potential security risks posed by such an act during a high-profile public event.
Traore’s situation is particularly concerning, as a head of state he came to power through a coup d’état—a system of governance that fundamentally opposes the principles of democracy. This means his position as head of state lacks a democratic foundation.
Furthermore, as a member of the West African sub-region, Burkina Faso is expected to uphold its commitment to ECOWAS. However, along with Mali and Niger, the country has opted to withdraw from the organisation, raising questions about their alignment with regional democratic principles. The presence of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the ECOWAS Chairman, at the inauguration, further sent mixed signals in this context.
To add to these complexities, the apparent breach of security protocol during President Mahama’s inauguration, despite the presence of Ghana’s comprehensive security apparatus, raises serious concerns.
Here are several reasons why Captain Ibrahim Traore’s visible sidearm at Mahama’s inauguration could pose a challenge to security protocols:
1. Breach of Standard Security Protocols
High-profile events like presidential inaugurations typically enforce strict disarmament policies to ensure the safety of all attendees, especially heads of state. A visible sidearm contradicts these protocols and could create vulnerabilities.
2. Potential Risk to the Host President
The presence of an armed individual in close proximity to the president—regardless of their status—introduces a potential security risk. Even trusted officials can inadvertently or intentionally escalate tensions in a high-pressure situation.
3. Compromised Confidence in Security Measures
– Allowing one head of state to carry a weapon might undermine the trust in the host country’s security arrangements, as it suggests a lack of confidence in their ability to protect all dignitaries.
4. Symbolic Implications
– A visible weapon at a diplomatic ceremony can be interpreted as a display of dominance or distrust, potentially souring relationships between nations. It contrasts with the spirit of camaraderie and peace such events aim to promote.
5. Risk of Misinterpretation or Accident
– In a large public gathering, the presence of a visible sidearm could lead to misunderstandings or even accidental escalations if security personnel misinterpret movements or intentions.
7. Setting a Dangerous Precedent
– Allowing a head of state to carry a weapon at an event like this could set a precedent, encouraging others to do the same in future events. This undermines the uniformity of disarmament protocols and creates challenges for security planning.
Policy analysts and security experts have since weighed in, emphasising the importance of maintaining strict protocols to ensure the safety of all attendees, particularly heads of state.
Emmanuel Bensah, a policy analyst with ECOWAS and the African Union, while peaking on Eyewitness News on Tuesday, January 7, 2024, acknowledged the potential risks of the situation, describing it as a “security risk” from a civilian perspective.
“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 stated.
In conclusion, while some observers viewed the incident as a breach of protocol, others believe it highlights the need for enhanced security measures at such gatherings.
