Security consultant Professor Kwesi Anning has strongly criticized Burkina Faso's President Ibrahim Traoré for visibly carrying a pistol at his side during President John Dramani Mahama’s inauguration ceremony in Accra.

In an interview on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey, Professor Anning described the incident as a significant breach of diplomatic protocol and expressed dismay at the display, particularly in the presence of high-profile dignitaries.

“What happened in Accra yesterday, which I’ve seen all over social media, was completely uncalled for,” he remarked.

“It was a breach of protocol, and many state officials and other dignitaries who were present might have wondered whether they were seeing correctly.”

The event, marking a pivotal moment in Ghana’s democratic history, brought leaders and representatives from across the continent to witness Mahama’s swearing-in. However, Traoré’s decision to attend with a sidearm raised eyebrows and sparked debates about diplomatic decorum and security arrangements at such events.

Professor Anning elaborated on customary practices for visiting heads of state and their security details.

“Normally, when a head of state travels with their security protocols, the weapons remain on the plane, with the understanding that the host country will provide maximum security,” he explained.

He dismissed arguments defending Traoré’s action, particularly those suggesting the pistol was part of his uniform.

“That does not hold water at all,” he asserted. “This was a major breach of protocol, especially when heads of state were present, and our own newly installed president was being greeted.”

Watch the moment John Mahama arrived for his investiture as President of Ghana: