As Ghana prepares for its December elections, the role of security services, particularly the police, in ensuring free, fair, and peaceful elections cannot be overstated.

Elections bring out heightened political activities and potential tensions, requiring security services to operate with transparency and accountability.

Without these measures, security forces risk eroding public trust, potentially leading to increased tensions and undermining the credibility of the electoral process.

Accordingly, Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Ghana’s former Minister of Communications, has urged the Ghana Police Service (GPS) to implement stronger transparency and accountability measures for the upcoming elections.

He specifically called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare, to prohibit security personnel from concealing their faces while on duty at polling stations.

Spio-Garbrah argued that banning face coverings would help deter potential misconduct and enhance the credibility of the electoral process.

“People should not come with their faces covered, so I’m hoping that the IGP and other security agencies and other officials will issue instructions that those who will be given responsibility for security work during the elections should not attempt to cover their faces”.
Ekwow Spio-Garbrah

Spio-Garbrah further voiced his concerns about the presence of masked individuals and unidentified security officers at polling stations, stressing that visible identification is vital for maintaining public confidence in security measures during elections.

He highlighted that the sight of unidentifiable officers could lead to distrust among voters, potentially undermining the credibility of the electoral process.

To address this, he recommended that all security personnel not only refrain from wearing masks but also display name tags, allowing their identities to be easily verified and promoting greater accountability at polling sites.

“And the ordinary people will have to deal with some of them if they choose to go through that method. Their physical identities should have name tags, big and bold on their chest and even on their back. So that we know your name, if you fire a gun in a place and you are running people should know”.
Ekwow Spio-Garbrah

Spio-Garbrah believes that implementing these essential measures will play a key role in preventing misconduct by security personnel.

He argued that the presence of accountability will discourage any behavior that could undermine the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring that officers are easily identifiable.

Security Services Urged to Prevent Electoral Violence

Ekwow Spio-Garbrah further emphasized the need for security agencies to be cautioned about actions or lapses that could contribute to electoral violence, stressing that such issues severely undermine the transparency and accountability essential to a credible election.

He noted that preventing these problems is critical to building public trust.

Additionally, Spio-Garbrah stated that a future NDC government would prioritize addressing electoral offenses, ensuring that violations are met with firm action to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.

“The next NDC government will not take it likely the crimes that may be committed during the electioneering period. The Electoral Commissioner, her staff, and law enforcement agencies are all put on notice”.
Ekwow Spio-Garbrah

Spio-Garbrah also stated that Ghanaians are eager for a peaceful and fair election, underscoring that the public expects all stakeholders to act responsibly to uphold this goal.

The NDC, he affirmed, is committed to ensuring accountability for all actions taken throughout the electoral process, emphasizing that any behavior jeopardizing the peace and fairness of the election will be addressed.

The current lack of trust in public institutions places Ghana’s peace and harmony at risk, especially in the lead-up to the elections.

As such, transparency and accountability in the actions of security services, particularly the police, are essential for a peaceful and credible election process.

With proper measures in place to ensure these values, Ghana can continue to strengthen its democratic institutions and processes, setting an example for other nations in the region.