IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare speaking during the taskforce meeting with UTAG
HEAD OF Operations, Training and Peacekeeping, Ghana Armed Forces, Brig. Gen. Kwaku Dankwa Hagan, has stated that military personnel will be deployed at various flashpoints to ensure peace and security in this year’s election.
Speaking at the National Election Security Taskforce (NESTF) meeting with the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Brig. Gen. Hagan said it has become crucial for military personnel to secure electoral polling stations to ensure the integrity and transparency of the electoral process, while maintaining peace and order during elections, particularly in areas prone to violence or instability.
“We have collaborated with the police service and the Electoral Commission (EC) to identify over 1,000 potential flashpoints and areas that may require additional support.
“Our involvement will be strictly social, and we will only intervene if requested by the police. This means we will step in only when it is clear that they need our assistance to maintain order,” he said.
Brig. Gen. Hagan further emphasised that the upcoming elections will be primarily managed by the police service and the security service at the Ministry of Interior, saying, “They will be the ones present at approximately 14,000 polling stations across the country. You will not see a large military presence, like me, at these locations. Please rest assured that our role will be limited.”
He indicated that the military presence will be brief and focused on support rather than policing, stating that “the military approach will be humane, we are not here to impose authority; rather, we aim to assist.”
Brig. Gen. Hagan also added that where the situation may escalate beyond the control of the police or other authorities, “we may need to take action to restore order. However, our priority is to maintain peace without resorting to excessive force.
IGP Assures Citizens
Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, confirmed that all necessary security arrangements are in place for the upcoming special voting scheduled for Monday.
He emphasised that additional preparations are also ready for the following week, ensuring that physical security measures are thoroughly addressed.
IGP Dampare expressed optimism about the security landscape, sharing that a substantial number of intelligence officers have been deployed across the country.
“These officers are actively engaged in gathering critical information to proactively mitigate any threats to Ghana’s peace and stability,” he said.
The IGP highlighted that their strategy involves both visible security presence and discreet intelligence teams working diligently to inform operational decisions.
In an effort to bolster security further, IGP Dampare announced the introduction of a reward system for informants related to the elections.
This initiative is to encourage citizens to come forward with any election-related information, assuring them that their identities will remain confidential.
“We are committed to gathering intelligence and identifying anyone who poses a threat to Ghana’s peace,” IGP Dampare stated, reinforcing the police’s dedication to maintaining order during this crucial electoral period.
National President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Prof. Eliasu Mumuni, assured security personnel that beyond the practical responsibilities in the classroom and community service, “We are committed to intensifying our efforts. We will work closely with our communities and act as watchdogs from now until the election results are declared.”
“Since 1992, we have not looked back, and we are determined to continue on this path. We look forward to a future where we can cast our votes based on issues rather than resorting to violence—even from the comfort of our own homes,” he added.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke