The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has defended the decision by the government to deploy some 6,000 security personnel for the inauguration ceremony of the President-elect, Nana Akufo-Addo on January 7, 2021.
For the first time, the swearing-in ceremony will take place in Parliament and not the Independence Square but some members of the public and minority MPs say the deployment is unnecessary.
Speaking to the media today, January 5, 2021, the Anyaa-Sowutuom MP, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, who is also the Head of the Inauguration Committee said the deployment is very necessary.
“There’s nothing like too many security personnel. We should be worried if there is no security present at a place like that, so we should be very happy that the security services are all over. When you have a function that is not just internal but is international in nature because of the visitors who are coming, it is incumbent on us to ensure that security is at its highest to ensure their safety while they’re here even before, during and after [the event].”
“Secondly, all our countries are always on high alert these days because of all the activities of terrorists and all these things that are happening so yes it is very important to have them,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Director of Operations of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, Superintendent of Police, Dr. Sasu Mensah has been explaining the expected roadblocks and traffic control measures for the day.
“With the issue of the inner perimeter, it is going to run through the Ako-Adjei interchange, the National Theatre traffic light, Osu cemetery traffic light, GIJ, and the press centre, specifically. To manage traffic, we intend to close or block some routes. The Osu cemetery traffic light on Loco street, that road will be totally sealed. Then the crossroads heading towards the Starlets 95 or 91 street, then the independence arc, the Gamal-Abdul Nassir Avenue then finally we are going to partially seal Opeibea-37 hospital interchange on the liberation road.”
13 African presidents confirm attendance for Akufo-Addo’s swearing-in
Thirteen African Heads of State have confirmed that they will be in attendance at the swearing-in ceremony on Thursday.
The thirteen include the President of Senegal, Macky Sall, President of Liberia, George Weah, and the President of Côte d’Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara.
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey also disclosed that other countries including Nigeria, Gambia, India, and France would be represented by their Foreign Ministers at the ceremony which starts at 11 am on Thursday.
The post Government defends 6,000 security personnel deployment for Akufo-Addo’s inauguration appeared first on Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana.
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