The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has delivered an address ahead of Ghana’s December 7 polls, highlighting the commitment of the National Election Security Task Force (NESTF) to maintaining peace, law, and order during and after the electoral process.
Speaking at the press conference attended by dignitaries including the Vice President, former Presidents, members of the judiciary, political leaders, and the diplomatic corps.
Dr. Dampare expressed optimism about Ghana’s electoral process and the role of security agencies in ensuring its success.
Dr. Dampare began by addressing the political parties, presidential candidates, and Ghanaians for their conduct so far, describing it as pivotal to fostering a peaceful electoral environment. He asserted; “We commend you for what you have done, which has also made our work easier. And we are proud of you.”
However, he cautioned that the process is far from complete and urged all stakeholders to double their efforts in maintaining peace.
He used a vivid analogy to emphasize the importance of seeing the process through. He cited; “In our traditional circles, when there is food to be cooked, you cannot half-cook it and start eating it.” To this effect, he highlighted;
“We will not be, and I want to emphasize, we will not be the source or allow ourselves to be the source of any disturbances that will corrupt the peace that we cherish so much.
The country, we are holding in trust for the next generation. As our forebears held it in trust and their departure, they left it in our hands to keep it safe, peace for it to be handed over to the next generations.”
Dr. George Akuffo Dampare Inspector General of Police (IGP)
Mainstreaming Election Security
Dr. Dampare revealed key lessons from past elections, emphasizing the need for long-term strategies to manage election security effectively. He noted;
“We decided to mainstream election security with the establishment of a permanent department for purposes of managing elections in this country, and by this, I mean all elections. Even including school and church elections.”
Dr. George Akuffo Dampare Inspector General of Police (IGP)
Additionally, he added that the task force developed a 30-year blueprint for election security to ensure continuity and preparedness across future elections.
Dr. Dampare highlighted the tangible results of these reforms, noting a significant reduction in election-related violence during recent by-elections and political party primaries. He charged; “You cannot continue to do the same thing over and over again and expect different results.”
According to him, the task force’s detailed deployment plan for the upcoming elections spans over 5,400 pages, covering polling stations, coalition centers, and post-election activities, including the investiture of the next government. He also called for support from all Ghanaians. He emphasized;
“We need your help, both in the form of prayer and also in the form of playing your role as individuals, political parties, and stakeholders. So that, at the end of the day, everybody would be satisfied with the outcome of the elections and everybody would accept the process.”
Dr. George Akuffo Dampare Inspector General of Police (IGP)
He reminded all participants of the reality of elections. He stated unequivocally;
“There are 12 presidential candidates; Only one will win. The rest would have to come [another] time. 801 parliamentary candidates vying for a position of 276; Only 276 will win. That will not be the end of the world.
In effect, those who will win and those who will lose will, at some point in our lives will come no near those positions again. But Ghana will continue to be Ghana for the rest of our lives and for the children that we so love.”
Dr. George Akuffo Dampare Inspector General of Police (IGP)
Encouraging Resilience and National Unity
In context, stating ‘only one will win’ meant that both winners and losers ought to accept the outcomes gracefully and prioritize the nation’s unity and progress.
Finally, the IGP assured Ghanaians of the preparedness and commitment of the NESTF to ensure peaceful elections. He expressed confidence in the collaborative efforts of stakeholders to safeguard Ghana’s democratic process.
Dr. Dampare’s address encapsulated the critical role of collective responsibility in ensuring the success of the electoral process, leaving no doubt about the NESTF’s resolve to uphold the peace and stability of Ghana during this crucial period.
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