Emmanuel Bensah, a policy analyst affiliated with ECOWAS and the African Union, has expressed concerns regarding security protocols in light of an incident that occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of President John Dramani Mahama.
The incident involved Captain Ibrahim Traore, the Head of State of Burkina Faso, who approached President Mahama while visibly armed with a sidearm.
This occurrence has garnered significant public attention, prompting many to question the effectiveness of security measures at such a prominent event. The situation has reignited discussions on the delicate balance between diplomatic protocol and security at state functions, especially in a region where the stability of leadership is of paramount importance.
In an interview on January 7, 2024, Bensah characterized the incident as a “security risk” from a civilian standpoint, underscoring the necessity for more stringent measures to ensure safety at future events.
He stressed the importance of implementing rigorous protocols to avert similar incidents in the future.
“From a civilian perspective, that was indeed a security risk. I would assume that a security sweep was conducted prior to Ibrahim approaching Mahama. However, the situation was somewhat awkward, and I hope we can address these issues moving forward. It is crucial, as anything could have transpired,” Bensah remarked.
President Mahama’s inauguration, which took place on January 7, 2025, at Black Star Square in Accra, was a momentous occasion attended by both dignitaries and citizens.
