Security consultant Prof Kwesi Aning has called for the introduction of clearer protocols for presidential visits following the controversial visit of Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso to Ghana during the inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama on 7th January.

Speaking on JoyNews' AM Show on Thursday, 9th January, Prof Aning addressed the incident where the young military leader Traoré greeted President Mahama while openly carrying a sidearm, raising concerns over security and the appropriate conduct expected at high-profile state events.

Prof Aning stressed that those responsible for organising such visits should have set clear guidelines to avoid such incidents. "Those who handled the protocols around this presidential visit for the inauguration ought to have laid down some clear red lines about how we conduct business in Ghana," he said.

He further argued that there should be no room for excuses, advocating for a more structured and disciplined approach to state visits. "All these excuses are unnecessary. Let’s get things done properly, based on correct risk assessment, and make firm decisions in our interest as a sovereign nation," he added.

Prof Aning also remarked, "Let this be a lesson for those around the president, who seem to be protecting this new vision of a reset, to ensure that we do things properly."

Prof Aning advised that, those surrounding the president should ensure the country’s new vision is upheld by adhering to proper procedures and ensuring that all actions reflect the dignity and sovereignty of Ghana.

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