DIRECTOR OF Operations at the Ghana Police Service, ACP Abas Al-Meyao, has cautioned media houses to refrain from sensationalising security issues that can potentially cause panic and tension in the country.
According to him, the Ghana Police Service has been overwhelmed by misinformation about news items circulating in the media without clarification from its officials.
ACP Abas Al-Meyao said that as the country gears up for the December 7 polls, the media should seek clarification before publishing stories about security issues.
“The police are in talks with the media to be very circumspect in their reporting on issues related to security that they don’t understand.
“Our doors are open to explain and we are prepared to work with them to provide the good people of Ghana with the accurate and right information to prevent tension from mounting,” he said.
ACP Abas Al-Meyao made these remarks at the fifth National Peace Council stakeholder dialogue under the theme, “Building Trust among Stakeholders for a Peaceful 2024 General Election in Ghana.”
He assured that the Service, in collaboration with it partner agencies, are prepared to facilitate a successful election, stating that the institutionalisation of the Election Security Task Force, led by Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare are ready to address all matters related to the electoral process.
ACP Abas Al-Meyao said the Service had engaged youth organisations, community leaders and have conducted outreach programmes in schools and had discussions with chiefs to underscore the importance of their contributions toward a peaceful electoral process.
“We want to reassure the public that the Police, together with all other stakeholders—including Customs, Immigration, and Prison Services—are committed to facilitating a transparent and secure election,” he said.
By-Election Experiences
ACP Abas Al-Meyao said with the successful by-elections and other party elections conducted recently, the Service has gathered intelligence to guard the 2024 elections.
“We are ready and well-prepared in terms of training and logistics to cover the entire nation. Our past experiences, such as successfully managing by-elections in areas like Assin North, demonstrate our capability and commitment to ensuring free and fair elections,” he said.
The Chairman of the National Peace Council, Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, said while the country recorded successful elections at the 2020 polls, the tragic loss of lives during the 2020 elections has left a stain on Ghana’s image as a beacon of democracy in West Africa.
He said the National Peace Council took deliberate steps to address the violence and unrest that occurred in five key constituencies: Awutu-Senya, Odododiodio, Ablekuma Central, Techiman South, and Savelugu, where the loss of lives was most pronounced.
“The Peace Council engaged stakeholders in each of these constituencies to facilitate difficult but necessary conversations about what went wrong, help the communities to heal, and to find a way to move forward as a people,” he said.
Rev. Dr. Adu-Gyamfi assured the council’s preparedness to work with stakeholders in maintaining peace before, during, and after the December polls.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke