As the political climate heats up, the two main political parties are intensifying their campaigns across the country in a bid for power. For this electoral process to proceed smoothly, security officials must exercise sound judgment and ensure that all activities are conducted peacefully, both before and after the national elections.
The National Peace Council, security institutions, and the Christian Council are being called upon to demonstrate leadership and establish professional standards to guarantee a peaceful election in December.
Richard Kumadoe, a fraud prevention expert and security consultant, made these remarks during an interview on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahoor 92.3 FM, hosted by Nana Alex Dogbey in Accra. Kumadoe emphasized the importance of adopting democratic best practices from other countries, such as South Africa, Liberia, and the United Kingdom, to avoid violence during the elections. He also supported the National Democratic Congress’s National Chairman’s call for national security agencies to prioritize the country’s well-being in the upcoming elections, given the high stakes involved.
Since returning to constitutional democracy in 1992, Ghana has successfully conducted eight presidential and parliamentary elections. However, electoral violence remains a persistent issue, impacting lives and property. The violence recorded in the 2020 elections is still unresolved, with victims yet to receive justice despite ongoing appeals from various organizations and the public for the Ghana Police Service/National Elections Security Task Force (GPS/NESTF) to expedite investigations and provide regular updates. There have also been calls for the prompt trial of the cases that have already been processed for court.
In a related development, during the National Democratic Congress’s campaign launch in Tamale on Saturday, July 27, 2024, Asiedu Nketia urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to remain resolute and impartial in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections, regardless of external pressures.
Nketia stressed the importance of security forces maintaining their independence and neutrality, particularly as the elections approach. He addressed the IGP and the Chief of Defense Staff directly, saying, “When you were appointed to lead our security services, you took an oath to protect the interests of Ghanaians, not to safeguard the interests of the current regime. While you may face significant pressure, you must remain steadfast and prioritize what is right over the next four months.
“If you fail, you will be left to face the consequences alone when accountability comes, without the support of the president who is pressuring you now. This is a time for principled action. Do not justify following incorrect orders with excuses of ‘orders from above.’ You swore an oath to protect this country.”
Story by: Alexander Kukah
