Aviation Security and drug traffickers are not friends - GCAA

Shai-Hills (Greater Accra) 01 December 2001- The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCCA) on Friday cautioned its security personnel against colluding with drug dealers, currency traffickers and other criminals that would want to sneak through the security system.

The warning comes at time that customs officials in the United Kingdom are investigating how 30 kilograms of cocaine recently passed through the Kotoka International Airport to London without detection.

Mr Samuel Osei-Ansah, Acting Deputy Director-General (Technical), gave the warning at the passing-out parade for 57 newly recruited Aviation Security Guards at the Army Recruit Training School (ARTS) at the Shai-Hills. "The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority is not a place to make quick money by condoning criminal activity", he said.

Mr Osei-Ansah, who was the reviewing officer for the parade, said the days when the Aviation Security Guards were equated to watchmen at the airport was past and they now have to seriously brace themselves up for their new roles.

The guards, including 12 women, were taken through various disciplines including physical training, unarmed combat, communication skills, weapon handling, recognition of explosives and weapon parts and security.

The training was meant to sharpen their mental alertness, instil esprit-de-corps in them, inculcate discipline and develop loyalty to their superiors and peers.

Mr Osei-Ansah noted that the GCAA now needed disciplined, loyal, dependable and analytically minded men and women who have initiative and were capable of taking quick decisions to manage its hi-tech equipment for the safety and comfort of its customers.

He said recent developments in the aviation industry, especially, the events of September 11 in the United States, had brought into sharp focus the important role of security in the industry.

He said the GCAA was doing its best to provide a safe and efficient air transport system in the country, adding that equipment alone was not enough to ensure the safety desired hence the investment in the development of its human resources.

Mr Augustus Otoo, the Parade Commander, was adjudged the best all round trainee, Miss Lily Gyapomaa Danso came out as the best in leadership, Mr Frank Adjei was the best in drill while Miss Juliet Osei Adu was honoured as the best female trainee.