IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare with stakeholders in a group photograph after the meeting
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has announced that the Ghana Police Service is set to implement additional security measures at collation centres across the country in preparation for the upcoming December 7 elections.
This decision comes in response to numerous violent incidents that marred previous elections, particularly at collation centres, resulting in tragic loss of life.
Dr. Dampare emphasised the commitment of the National Election Security Taskforce to achieve a goal of zero violence during the electoral process.
To this end, extra police personnel will be deployed to ensure the smooth counting of ballots, and to maintain order at the collation centres.
Among the planned arrangements is the fencing of collation centre premises to deter unauthorised individuals from entering.
Access will be restricted to media representatives, civil society members, party candidates, and designated agents from the political parties.
The IGP noted that the enhanced security measures are being developed in collaboration with the Electoral Commission’s (EC) leadership.
“We are currently working with the EC to establish a standardised collation centre that prioritises security, aiming to eliminate the violent disruptions we have experienced in the past,” Dr. Dampare stated.
He further reiterated that collation centres will be within secure environments accessible only to invited individuals, reducing the potential for unrest among supporters.
The IGP clarified that any misbehaviour at collation centres will not be tolerated, asserting, “When you come to the collation centre, we will ensure smooth election process; anybody found misbehaving won’t be spared.”
Dr. Dampare made this statement when members of the Civil Forum Initiatives paid a courtesy visit to him at the Police Headquarters for first-hand information on the service’s preparations towards the December 7 elections.
Election Preparation
Dr. Dampare also highlighted that the police have been preparing for the December elections since 2022, and assured citizens that comprehensive security plans have been established to ensure peaceful elections, stating, “Ghana will experience peaceful elections because it has taken us more than two years preparing for this election. We have considered elections to be a process and not an event.”
As chairperson of the National Election Security Taskforce, which includes all security agencies led by the Ghana Police Service, Dr. Dampare expressed confidence in the effectiveness of their preparations.
He revealed that this extensive planning has resulted in the creation of a 5,400-page election blueprint, marking a historic first for the country.
This document covers all aspects of elections, from local to national levels. The IGP noted that the introduction of this blueprint has significantly improved the Police Service’s ability to address election-related violations.
Dr. Dampare further noted that the election blueprint has contributed to a peaceful and smooth election campaigning period among various political parties.
“The entire election campaign has been very peaceful due to the security measures we have implemented, as well as the engagement with political parties. The credit goes to all of us,” he stated.
He expressed hope for the continuation of this peaceful atmosphere, adding, “It is our prayer that from now until the end of the campaigning period, as well as on Election Day and during the post-election period, we will maintain this momentum or even improve upon it.”
Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey, on his part was optimistic that with the laid down security procedures developed by the service, there will be no room for election-related violence on December 7.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke