I've Been A Victim Of Circumstances - Mr. Yasser Alia

A Syrian businessman based in Accra, Yasser Alia, has described himself as a victim of circumstances following what he says is his wrongful arrest during the recent raid by security operatives at the Kotoka International Airport.

According to him, he was at the wrong place at the right time.

Mr Yasser Alia is the CEO of Hardford Motors Automobile Servicing Company and not the owner of the Airport facility Warehouse at NacCharter Cargo and Freight Company.

That facility is owned by one Freight Forwarder called Kojo, a Ghanaian.

One Alhaji Mohammed who was also arrested during the operation is just a business partner of Mr Yasser Alia.

According to Mr Yasser, on that day of the arrest, he had gone to the Marina Mall and unexpectedly saw Alhaji Mohammed.

Mr Yasser told him he was looking for a cargo plane to import an engine urgently needed for one of his clients who came to Hardford Motors to service his car.

This was because all the land borders of Ghana have been closed to entry and movements.

Alhaji Mohammed then mentioned the name of one Kojo at the Aviance Cargo Village and assured Mr Yasser that Kojo can help him bring the engine for his client.

They went and met Kojo at the facility where Kojo told both Alhaji Mohammed and Mr Yasser Alia to wait for him while he attended to a few things.

It was during this waiting period that security operatives raided the warehouse in a Rambo style and arrested all persons at the facility at that point including innocent people who had no links to the operations at the warehouse.

A friend of Alhaji Mohammed, Alhaji Ahmed Bandoh of Bahmed Travel and Tour, upon receiving a distress call from Alhaji Mohammed followed up to the National Security office.

Mr Yasser Alia believes in the competence and professionalism of the National Security officials and has declared his full support for all investigations.

The philanthropist has for the past ten years been doing charity works helping the poor and doing his normal business.

No record and no one has ever come out to accuse him in any way ever since he started doing business.