Is There Something Happening On The Blind Side Of Ghanaians?

NPP Central Regional Secretary, Kwamena Duncan has admonished the government to salvage the country�s image as it readies itself to perhaps forestall any sanctions by the US aviation authorities. Speaking on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" Morning Show, Kwamena Duncan called on the governing party to ensure that the nation's image is not tarnished as the US authorities launch investigations into the alleged unauthorized landing of a U.S. registered Bombardier Challenger, N604EP on Iranian soil. The aircraft, sporting a US flag and carrying a private Ghanaian business delegation landed at Mehrabab Airport in Tehran last Tuesday allegedly without approval of or prior notification from the US authorities. The US jet is also said to have touched down on an airport in Zurich and a London airport before arriving at Iran, a country under strict international aviation rules. The alleged unauthorized landing of the air plane is under investigations by US authorities and Ghana could likely face sanctions should the nation be found in violation of any Western embargo on Iran. Speaking to host Kwami Sefa Kayi, Kwamena Duncan called on the government to take the necessary steps to protect the image of the country. ��government should ensure Ghana does not suffer any dire repercussions as a result of the allegations leveled against the air plane and its occupants who are reported to be high ranking business delegation from Ghana,� he said. The U.S. registered Bombardier Challenger; N604EP was surprisingly seen on the ramp at Mehrabab Airport in Tehran last week Tuesday, hence raising eyebrows about its mission in that country. The New York Times reported that while federal aviation records show the plane is held in a trust by the Bank of Utah; Brett King, one of its executives in Salt Lake City, said it had no idea why that plane was at that airport. The paper further quoted Mr. King as saying: �If there is any hint of illegal activity, we are going to find out and see whether we need to resign.� It insists that �Under United States law, any American aircraft would usually need prior approval from the department to go to Iran, without violating a complicated patchwork of rules governing trade.� Kwamena Duncan also questioned the intent of the government in relation to the case. �Is there something happening on the blind side of the Ghanaian people?" he asked, further stating that "the image of Ghana is out there and it behoves the government to take the necessary steps to polish it so that eventually we may not suffer from the consequences.