Ghana’s December elections are a significant milestone in the country’s democratic journey.
As the nation prepares to head to the polls, the Ghana Police Service plays a critical role in ensuring peace and security for electorates.
Furthermore, peace and security are essential for protecting life and property as violence and chaos can lead to loss of life and damage to property, undermining the electoral process.
As such, the Police Service must ensure a secure environment for citizens to exercise their democratic right to vote.
Additionally, peace and security are crucial for ensuring fair and credible elections.
A peaceful environment prevents electoral malpractices like voter intimidation and fraud, ensuring the electoral process is free from violence and intimidation.
Similarly, peace and security build public trust in the Police Service and the electoral process.
When citizens feel safe, they are more likely to participate in the electoral process, leading to higher voter turnout.
Accordingly, the Ghana Police Service, under the leadership of Inspector-General Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has affirmed its preparedness to ensure the safety and security of the nation in the period leading up to, during, and following the December 7 general elections.
Dr. Dampare emphasized the police’s proactive strategy, prioritizing local elections with the same level of importance as national elections, and deploying adequate security measures to ensure a safe and secure electoral process.
“We have been ready for years because we have institutionalized and mainstreamed election security for the first time in the history of this country. Elections are not seen as events but as a process in a cycle where the end of one is the beginning of another.”
“All the elections for the past almost three years, including internal elections of the parties, the selection of parliamentary candidates, and presidential candidates have been historically secure. This is an indication of our readiness, working in concert with security forces and more importantly, with patriotic Ghanaians who want to see the country remain at peace.”
Dr. George Akuffo Dampare
GPS Prioritizes Peace And Professionalism
Moreover, peace and security during the election are essential for maintaining law and order, preventing chaos and anarchy, and protecting vulnerable groups like women, children, and minorities.
The GPS must ensure peace as peaceful elections enhance Ghana’s international reputation and credibility.
Also, ensuring peace and security during elections consolidates Ghana’s democratic gains and accountability among political actors and stakeholders when the police are effectively efficient.
Accordingly, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare also stressed the need for police officers to approach conflicts with a professional demeanor and a mindset focused on de-escalation techniques, prioritizing peaceful resolution over force whenever possible.
He assured that the Ghana Police Service (GPS) will guarantee that their actions are legitimate, proportionate, and centered on preserving peace and security for the well-being of generations to come.
“For the 2024 elections, we are ensuring a clear de-escalation mindset amid confusion and agitations. We need to be professional and ensure that we settle issues among the conflicting parties in a way that unites them”.
Dr. George Akuffo Dampare
The IGP has also cautioned against the spread of disinformation and has urged the public to verify information before sharing it to avoid the harmful effects of misinformation and fake news.
Dampare emphasized the importance of a peaceful and violence-free election to uphold Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of peace, democracy, and stability, and to maintain the country’s hard-won reputation as a shining example of democratic excellence in Africa.
The upcoming December elections in Ghana are contingent upon the crucial elements of peace and security.
The Ghana Police Service bears the responsibility of ensuring a peaceful and secure environment, which is essential for a credible, fair, and violence-free electoral process, and must therefore prioritize this mandate.
By doing so, Ghana can consolidate its democratic gains, enhance its international reputation, and ensure accountability among political actors and stakeholders.
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