"Terrorists Can Attack Kotoka Airport"

THE KOTOKA International Airport (KIA) could be a possible target for terrorists, says Lt. Col.(Rtd) Nat Kpikpitse, former Director of Aviation Security.

"The perception that KIA can't be target of terrorism is wrong," he stressed, explaining that this is because the KIA is one of four airports that operate direct flights to the United States from Africa.

Addressing the League of Aviation Journalists at a seminar in Accra yesterday, Lt. Col.(Rtd) Kpikpitse said because Ghana operates a direct flight to the USA, it could be targeted by terrorists as a transit point to the USA.

He hinted that may be the East Africa attack on some American embassies a few years ago may have originated from Ghana because Ghana operates a direct flight to East Africa.

Lt. Col. (Rtd) Kpikpitse therefore urged the media to be careful when reporting on security issues at the KIA.

Touching on security at the KIA, he said the airport has employed the services of well trained private security personnel, instead of national security personnel from the police and military services.
He said the frequent transfer of police and military personnel does not make them suitable for airport security because one could easily be transferred after he has gained ground at the airport and understands operations there.
"After one has studied about situations at the airport, he will be transferred and the next person who comes will have to start all over by studying operations of airport security - that person may also be transferred," he said, adding that that's why he preferred privately trained and motivated security personnel to national security apparatus as aviation security.
In spite of his assurance about the professionalism of private security personnel at the airport, pressmen present pointed to the fact that security at the car park was not the best.
In his presentation, Mr. E. T. Noi, Manager, Research and Publication of the Ghana civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), said the authorities aim at making the KIA the aviation hub in the sub-region by 2005.
He said the country currently has five airports in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Sunyani and Wa, adding that there are plans to upgrade the Ho and Bolgatanga airstrips into airports.
The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority started as a unit within the Public Works Department in 1930 and was granted a departmental status in 1953.
It became an authority through PNDC Law 151 on May 16, 1986 and has since been transformed into a leading airport in Africa.