GACL In ‘360’ Drama Over National Security Minister’s Folly

The Ghana Airports company has done a 360 degree turn from its earlier cantankerous decision to interdict a security officer stationed at the Kumasi airport for putting National Security Minister, Albert Kan Dapaah through a frisk as part of standard security check for pre-boarding.

The GACL which had explained in a sack letter to AVSEC officer, Awudu Basit that his dutifulness had caused the GACL embarrassment, has released a statement saying it has decided to reconsider the interdiction.

“While affirming management’s prerogative to act in line with Article 17 9e) of the Collective Agreement, we advise that management has reconsidered the interdiction of AVSEC Officer Basit following further consultations and facts which have since come to its attention.”

The statement was signed by Managing Director, Pamela Djamson-Tettey.

According to the statement, extra facts have become available to the company hence the decision to rescind the earlier interdiction.

However, it said regardless of this update, the work of the committee looking into the matter will continue.

“We confirm that the Committee of Enquiry shall proceed with its mandate as spelt out in the Convening Order,” the statement said.

Earlier, a letter by the Management of GACL to Basit Awudu said the security officer on September 8, 2022, had embarrassed the company by approaching the minister who was on his way to board a flight and demanding to conduct a pre-boarding frisk.

GACL said the dutiful officer had rather embarrassed the Minister.

“Management received a report on September 8, 2022, of indiscretion in the discharge of your duties as an Aviation Security Officer.

“According to the report, you were assigned to perform airside patrol duties at the Kumasi Airport on September 8 2022, and you saw the Minister for National Security emerging from the VVIP Lounge to board Africa World Airlines flight at about 14:30 hours.

“It is reported that you approached the Hon. Minister and demanded to conduct a pre-boarding search on him in the open frontage of the VVIP Lounge which ended up embarrassing the Hon. Minister,” the letter addressed to Awudu Basit by the Management of GACL said.

It said it started investigation because of the negative impact of the incident on its image.

“In view of the negative impression it cast on the company’s image and integrity, Management has decided to thoroughly investigate the circumstances leading to the incident.

In line with Article 17(e) of the Collective Agreement, we notify you of your INTERDICTION from Friday, September 9, 2022, pending the completion of the investigation into the matter.

Meanwhile, it said that the officer will be paid only two thirds of his salary throughout the investigations.