Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the Director of Elections and IT for the NDC has highlighted a highly productive meeting between political parties and the security services on November 21, 2024.
The engagement took place at the Command Centre of the Ghana Police Service headquarters.
Dr. Omane Boamah expressed appreciation for the leadership of IGP Dampare, as well as the service commanders, officers, and men and women of the security services, for their dedication and collaboration in ensuring election security.
“And refreshing to note from the Electoral Commission of Ghana that the counting of Presidential ballots must precede the counting of parliamentary ballots in all polling stations after the close of polls.
“Together with Mr. Kofi Totobi Quakyi (Former Minister for National Security) and Lt. Col. Gbevlo Lartey (Former National Security Coordinator, & a former leader of Commandos) and I, we ably represented the National Democratic Congress at the meeting which discussed elections security, ahead of December 7”.
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah
Dr. Omane Boamah emphasized that it is clear the rank and file of the security services are growing increasingly frustrated with the economic mismanagement and the avoidable hardships facing Ghanaians.
He further stated that the security personnel are committed to taking a strong stand against any form of violence or thuggery during the upcoming elections.
Drawing from their approach in the Assin North by-election, where they demonstrated zero tolerance for such activities, Dr. Omane Boamah noted that the security services are committed to maintaining the same stance.
According to him, they are determined to ensure a peaceful and secure process during the December 2024 elections.
The NDC stalwart further emphasized that, as was clearly stated during the meeting, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) holds the sole authority as the Commander-in-Chief of the National Elections Security Task Force.
This role entrusts the IGP with overall responsibility for coordinating and overseeing all security operations related to the elections.
Omane Boamah asserted that this ensures that the security forces are unified and focused on maintaining order and peace throughout the electoral process.
Unarmed Security Personnel to Ensure Peaceful Polling
Furthermore, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah clarified that, as the police are solely responsible for overseeing election security, only personnel from the Police Service, Immigration, Prisons, Customs, and Fire Service will be deployed to provide security at polling stations during the December 7 presidential and parliamentary elections.
He emphasized that these security forces will be unarmed, ensuring that no lethal weapons will be carried by the officers on duty.
This approach is intended to maintain a peaceful and non-intimidating environment at the polling stations while ensuring the safety and security of voters and election officials.
“And that should there be the need for any military intervention, it is only the Inspector General of Police, acting as the Commander-in-Chief of the Elections Security Task Force who can authorize military action.
“This places a huge burden on the shoulders of the IGP if we’re to prevent the 2020 killing of eight Ghanaians due to an election”.
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah
Dr. Omane Boamah expressed the NDC’s belief that if the security services maintain a high level of professionalism, they can prevent a recurrence of the violence witnessed during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election.
He emphasized that professionalism in handling election security is key to ensuring a peaceful and orderly process.
With just 14 days remaining until the December 7 elections, Omane Boamah called on all Ghanaians to commit themselves to the principles of peace, transparency, and fairness.
He urged citizens to actively participate in ensuring that the elections are free from violence and intimidation, reinforcing the importance of upholding democratic values for the benefit of the nation. “Vote John Dramani Mahama for well-paying jobs through the 24-hour economy initiative”.
However, he advised the public to remain vigilant and closely monitor the actions of both the Electoral Commission and the NPP.
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