EDITORIAL: NACOB�s Inhumanity Against A Woman

The manner in which government anti-narcotic agents discharge their critical task is as much a challenge as the trafficking of the illicit drugs. If one of the reasons we fight the drug menace is to protect our country�s image from being dragged in the mud by unscrupulous couriers and barons, we should also take note that the unprofessional approach to the task is equally inimical to corporate Ghana. That is why some people have opted for the training of security personnel, whose schedules bring them into constant contact with people, in human relations and some basic psychology. An overall review of the training template would not be a bad idea, given the innovations by the couriers and barons in the face of modern-day demands of courtesy and humanness. There is the utmost need to review our approach to the management of security issues at the nation�s busiest port of entry and exit. This commentary was prompted by a recent anomalous development at the Kotoka International Airport which went overboard, and in the event messed up the travel plans of an innocent lady. Having pried at her brassiere, pants and indeed all the secret parts including a urine test, the unsatisfied NABOB personnel, in what looked like a fit of rage, won�t let the poor traveler go. She was obviously stressed up at this stage, wondering what the hell was happening, especially since she was nowhere near drug trafficking. The body language of her official aggressors was unfriendly, a situation which did not help her psychologically, as she awaited the next phase of the ordeal. With their mission yielding nothing, in the face of a missed flight, she was abandoned to manage the NACOB-created crisis. Management of narcotic drug trafficking, although a serious enterprise being undertaken by the relevant agencies and with occasional success, should not be undertaken as though we are in an emergency situation in which personal liberties and freedoms are suspended. Not even a 9/11 situation can justify the treatment the lady traveller went through at the hands of overzealous NACOB officials who appeared to enjoy the treat they gave their prey. We take exception to the often crazy manner in which some overzealous security persons perform their duties. They seek to create the erroneous impression that they do not belong here and that others not in uniform are morons who should be trampled upon and even assaulted when they so deem. We have long passed that stage of incivility, having lowered the Union Jack 53 years ago and want the authorities overseeing these security agencies to take note and act accordingly to obviate the messy approach in dealing with not only Ghanaians, but even foreigners. The overall effort at stemming illicit drug trafficking has been alright but we hasten to state that, that notwithstanding, civility should be the hallmark of the operatives. Perhaps, we should be guided by the Criminal Law cannon that, it is better to let nine guilty men go to save one innocent person. Women especially must be treated with dignity. That is however not to state that the law must be varied for them.