Chief Security Officer Admits Incompetence

The Chief Security Officer at the Accra Sports Stadium in Ghana, Warrant Officer Dwamena has conceded that he has neither the training nor the competence to handle safety and security at a place like the stadium. The only training he’s received in stadium safety and security was an in-house orientation administered by some police officers.

Appearing before the Commission probing the May 9 tragedy at the stadium, Warrant Officer Dwamena’s competence was seriously questioned after he told the panel that he did not know the exact number of police officers detailed to stadium on the day of the tragedy.

He could also not explain how armed police officers managed to get into the arena. He also admitted that he did not know the specific duties assigned to the police officers.

Warrant Officer Dwamena, who has been head of stadium security for the past two years, further exposed himself to criticism by telling the commission that he unilaterally relocated some police officers who were supposed to be deployed in the North stand of the stadium, popularly called the Ade Coker stand, where most of the fatalities occurred.

He explained that the officers were redeployed to restrain some fans who were attempting to break a gate to gain entry into the stadium.