Dr. George Akuffo Dampare and other security chiefs interacting with Jean Mensa
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has assured the Electoral Commission of his outfit’s commitment to ensure all electoral officers are protected during the general election.
According to the IGP, the Ghana Police Service has made special provision to protect the electoral officers from attacks by individuals who seek to cause distraction in the electioneering process.
“We as security agents are in support of the excellent job that you are doing. We are here to assure you that we are there for you and your team in protecting you and ensuring that you have the peace of mind to do your job,” he said.
The IGP also commended the Electoral Commission (EC), political parties, and all Ghanaians for their peaceful conduct in preparations for the December 7, 2024 elections.
The IGP indicated that all stakeholders have played their part in trying to walk the talk of peace. He appealed that these efforts are doubled by ensuring that each stakeholder plays their part within the law in a transparent, fair, and firm manner, so that their actions, which are in conformity with the law, will be multiple times louder than their words.
He further indicated that the National Elections Security Task Force (NESTF) is prepared for the task ahead, and urged the EC and its staff to continue to undertake their constitutional mandate, while assuring them of the necessary protection.
Dr. Dampare assured the EC, political parties, and all Ghanaians that the NESTF will collaborate with all stakeholders to make this year’s election the most peaceful in Ghana’s history.
The EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa, on her part said she is confident of conducting credible elections without fears, due to the security measures implemented by the NESTF.
She said the NESTF, led by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has assisted the Commission throughout the electioneering processes, starting from voters’ registration and exhibition, to printing of ballot papers, and conducting political parties elections in a peaceful manner devoid of violence.
Madam Mensa told members of the NESTF that the IGP has demonstrated great leadership as the head of the taskforce and, therefore, under no circumstances will she doubt his commitment to ensuring that the security of EC officials is prioritised.
“Your presence here with the heads of various security agencies demonstrates your commitment to ensuring peace before, during, and after the elections. It is commendable. And we feel very safe and secure, I must say, under you,” she said.
Madam Mensa said the IGP has assured that each polling station will not only have political party agents, but also members of the police and military present to observe and ensure a smooth process.
“We appreciate your presence and assistance at the polling stations and in safeguarding our ballots at the various police armouries across the country, and grateful for the ongoing support throughout this process,” she said.
She further emphasised that the Commission has demonstrated its commitment to peace by bringing on board the citizenry, and opening up its processes in all aspects to undertake the constitutional duties of delivering credible and fair elections.
EC Preparation
The Commission, as part of its effort in ensuring peaceful, transparent, credible, and fair electoral processes, conducted the registration of voters, which included a limited registration process that began in May 2024.
This initiative added over 900,000 new voters to the register.
Additionally, EC allowed Ghanaians to verify their details across more than 40,000 polling centres nationwide, and provided an online option, enabling voters to check their registration status conveniently from their phones.
“I would also like to highlight that our biometric verification devices are being prepared. We are confident that by this weekend, all devices will be securely stored in police armoUries across the country. Currently, over eight regions have already received their biometric verification devices,” Madam Mensa said.
In attendance at the meeting were the heads of other security services, including the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Bismarck Kwasi Onwona, representing the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS); the Director General of Prisons, Mr. Isaac Kofi Egyir; the Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Julius Kuunuor; the Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service, Mr. Kwame Asuah Takyi; the Commissioner of Customs, Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo; and members of the technical committees of the task force.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke