Some Ghanaian security companies who provide security services at the Kotoka International Airport, are enraged over a decision to award a contract to a Nigerian security firm, Pathfinder International, to provide security services to airlines at the Airport.
The local security firms argue that allowing a foreign company to protect Ghana’s International Airport could pose a threat not only to the business interests of Ghanaian companies but also to national security.
They also claim the Nigerian security firm has been operating without the requisite license for the last five years.
The Spokesperson for the local security companies, Ransford Abossey, bemoaned the fact that government did not take into account the effects of awarding such a service to a foreign firm, when there are equally competent and efficient firms locally.
“If we Ghanaians want to sit down for a Nigerian to take over our business in Ghana when we are more competent and more efficient, and we expose our borders to strangers who can do all manner of things at our Airport, then something definitely must be done about this.”
Mr. Abossey described the decision as a mistake that must be corrected by government immediately.
“I think it can be corrected. It is a mistake that was made whether it was due to some inducement or some corruption or whatsoever, it can be corrected.”
He said government can take a decision to abrogate the contract with the Nigerian company since Ghana’s entry points will be safer in the hands of Ghanaians.
“It is just a matter of revoking whatever license they gave whoever so that Ghanaians can feel secure in our own country for Ghanaian business interests to be protected,” he stated.
“It is most critical that we need to be able to ensure the security of our own borders,” Mr Abossey stressed.
But the Executive Director of Pathfinder International, Nana K. Gyamfi, has explained to Citi News that he is only partnering a Nigerian to offer the services and that his entire staff are Ghanaians.
According to him, his firm was selected in a competitive bidding process following a request made by the airlines.
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By Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana