The allegation by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has profiled the police force as NPP and NDC is a serious concern that has far-reaching implications for Ghana’s democracy and the rule of law.
This practice, where the police force is seen as a political tool, rather than a neutral law enforcement agency, undermines the principles of democracy and human rights.
Furthermore, the profiling of the police force has led to a lack of trust in the police, with citizens, especially NDC supporters, seeing them as biased and unfair.
This selective enforcement of laws, where NDC supporters face harsher treatment than NPP supporters, is a clear violation of human rights and the rule of law.
Similarly, the suppression of political opposition through police intimidation and harassment, as witnessed in the arrest of Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor, is a dangerous trend that threatens the very foundations of democracy.
Accordingly, the NDC has cautioned the NPP to cease attributing political affiliations (NPP or NDC) to police officers, effectively politicizing the police force.
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah of the NDC revealed that a leaked letter from the NPP shows that the party has instructed its Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to gather intelligence on police officers in their districts.
This Intel, Dr. Omane noted, ranges from Constables to Divisional Commanders, sparking concerns about potential political manipulation.
Dr. Boamah further alleged that the NPP’s letter instructed the MMDCEs to identify and label police officers in their districts as either NPP or NDC sympathizers, essentially seeking to politicize the police force and potentially compromise their impartiality.
“Regarding the unanimously agreed special dispensation granted security personnel and students to transfer their votes from today 3rd to Friday 5th of July, we wish to assure our supporters and all Ghanaians that we’re well prepared for the exercise. In addition, our Agents will be monitoring and providing feedback”.
“That said, we’re also cautioning the NPP not to ‘try’ any gerrymandering ‘games’ with the exercise: our eagle eyes are wide open. NPP must stop profiling police men and women as NPP or NDC. Hands off! You’ve already lost the trust of the (barracks) men and women in uniform”.
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah
Politicization Of Police Force Threatens Ghana’s Democracy And Stability
Moreover, the polarization of the police force has also led to a lack of accountability, with police officers not being held accountable for their actions.
This impunity has led to further abuses of power, with NDC supporters allegedly facing arbitrary arrests, detentions, and torture.
The damage to police professionalism is also a concern, as officers are seen as political agents rather than neutral law enforcement officers.
The effects of this profiling are far-reaching, with social unrest, protests, and potentially even violence a real possibility.
As such, the undermining of democracy and the rule of law has serious consequences for Ghana’s political stability and social cohesion.
It is essential that the government takes steps to address this issue, ensuring that the police force is neutral and impartial and that political opponents are not targeted or marginalized.
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah declared that given the NPP’s alleged attempts to politicize the police force, the NDC is now on high alert and will be closely monitoring their actions, implying that any secret plots or schemes by the NPP will be swiftly uncovered and exposed by the NDC’s vigilant scrutiny.
He emphasized the crucial need for the police to remain impartial and apolitical, especially in the lead-up to the December elections, to ensure a fair and peaceful electoral process.
“Let the NPP understand that even their own political appointees (ministers, CEOs, MMDCEs, etc.) are fed up with the incompetence, greed, maladministration, and the ongoing general socio-economic pain and hardships afflicting Ghanaians”.
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah
Most importantly, the allegation of profiling the police force as NPP and NDC by the NPP, as alleged by the NDC, is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.
It undermines democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, and has serious consequences for Ghana’s political stability and social cohesion.
As such, the government must ensure that the police force is neutral and impartial and that political opponents are not targeted or marginalized.
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