IGP Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare
The Ghana Police Service has announced that plans are well-advanced to ensure a peaceful and violence-free environment during today’s final political rallies being organised by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The two major political parties are set to conclude their months of intense campaigning with grand rallies in Accra, just two days ahead of the December 7 general election.
Amid rising tensions among party supporters, the Director of Public Affairs of the Service, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Grace Ansah-Akrofi, disclosed that the National Elections Security Taskforce, led by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, had engaged with leaders and representatives from both the NPP and NDC in preparation for today’s rallies.
“The NPP will hold their rally at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, while the NDC will converge at Zurak Park in Madina. To ensure law and order, the IGP and his team have assessed access points to coordinate the movement of supporters for both parties and address potential security concerns,” she said.
ACP Ansah-Akrofi further explained that representatives from both parties were invited to a meeting at police headquarters following the inspections, where road diversions and blockades were discussed and agreed upon to facilitate smooth access for supporters.
“Both rally locations are relatively close to each other; however, we assure the public that an adequate police presence will be deployed to prevent any potential tensions. We are ready for these rallies. Our goal is to ensure that all attendees participate in a safe and secure environment,” she added.
Road Diversions
As part of the arrangements, the police have announced road diversions to ensure smooth traffic flow.
For NPP supporters, the police said supporters coming from Adentan towards Legon are advised to turn left at Riz Junction, proceed towards Aviation, and connect to UPSA Road and the Okponglo area.
This route avoids the Madina and Zongo Junction areas, the spokesperson said, and added that supporters coming from Dome should turn right at Haatso Junction towards GIMPA and then access the University of Ghana campus from there.
For NDC supporters coming from Tetteh Quarshie, the police had directed them to turn right at Shiashie towards UPSA and then take a left onto the main Madina-Accra route, bypassing Legon.
According to ACP Ansah-Akrofi, NDC supporters traveling from Dome are advised to turn left at the KFC Junction on Haatso Road towards Wisconsin, facilitating easier access to Zongo Junction without passing through Legon.
Police Assistance and Advisory
ACP Ansah-Akrofi assured that police officers would be stationed along these routes to provide directions and assist supporters in reaching their respective venues with ease.
Roadblocks will also be set up in front of each rally location to manage traffic effectively, she noted, stressing the need for party representatives to communicate with their supporters, particularly those moving in groups.
“The police will not permit any deviation from the designated diversions. Officers will be there to guide, support, and ensure that all supporters follow the correct routes to their rally locations,” she noted.
By Prince Fiifi Yorke