Reports reaching the Daily Guide newspaper indicate that the British Commonwealth and Foreign Office in London denied Ghana’s former President, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, access to the use of the VIP facility when he arrived in the UK on Monday.
According to the newspaper, the special assistant to the former President, Victor Smith on Friday September 12, 2003 dispatched a letter addressed to the British Commonwealth and Foreign Office informing it of the arrival of the former President at London’s Heathrow airport.
Furthermore, the letter sought permission for the use of the VIP lounge at Heathrow Airport by the ex-President who was scheduled to arrive on Monday morning.
In reply, the British Commonwealth and Foreign Office reminded Mr Smith that the request should have been channeled through the Ghana High Commission in London and in effect, the Ghana government.
Sources told the paper that since Mr Smith failed to follow the regulation, the British Foreign Office denied the request.
Due to the development, the former President went through the ordinary route as other passengers, with the assistance of British Airways staff.
Source: GhanaWeb
