Jean Adukwei Mensa, Chair of the Electoral Commission (EC) in Ghana, has raised concerns about a growing trend of premeditated violence aimed at destabilizing the nation during election periods.
She emphasized that this strategy is meticulously planned to occur before, during, and after elections. Mensa acknowledged the heightened security threats facing the country, attributing them to a sinister agenda to control power and the accompanying resources.
The EC boss raised these concerns in a meeting with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in Accra.
“In the bid to capture power, our politicians and their supporters use all manner of methods to achieve their goal. In the wake of this, our security and safety are not spared. Today, we witness a mysterious and targeted approach by sections of our society to destabilize the peace of our nation and threaten lives, all in a bid to control power and the resources that come with it…
Jean Mensa
“Presently one of the major challenges we face is that whereas the violence experienced in elections in the early 2000s and the early 90s were birthed out of genuine causes and disagreement, what we witness today is a predetermined well-orchestrated strategy to unleash violence before, during, and after the elections for the sole purpose of undermining the credibility and integrity of elections and denting image of institutions such as the EC, Police and other security agencies.”
Jean Adukwei Mensa
She commended the IGP and security agencies for their proactive efforts in addressing these challenges, highlighting the critical role they play in maintaining the peace and security of the nation.
In response, IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare reassured the nation that security agencies are fully committed to ensuring peace, security, and law and order during elections. He emphasized that no compromises would be made in upholding the stability and safety of the country.
Dr. George Akuffo Dampare
“We will keep ensuring that in every election that is conducted, there is peace, security, law and order. We will do whatever it takes for the country to continue to be at peace and we will not compromise on it”, he assured.
Additionally, the Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Seth Amoama said that Ghana Armed Forces will be playing a supportive role during the 2024 general elections.
According to him, the force will take a backstage while the Police and other security agencies play the leading role in ensuring security during the polls.
Vice Admiral Seth Amoama
“We in the armed forces commit our internationally-mandated role and duty to protect this country and prevent any aggression from outside the country and also from within and we do so by air, by sea, and by land. even to the peril of our lives.
“For the elections proper, we may not be in the upfront of the election duty but we will be in the background ever ready and ever prepared to support the police service and other security services in case the situation degenerates.”
Vice Admiral Seth Amoama
The Sahel Region And Other Threats To Ghana’s Stability
Ghana, known for its vibrant democracy, has seen elections become an integral part of daily life. However, the current security climate, particularly within the Sahel region necessitates a more vigilant approach to security arrangements, as evidenced by the increasing complexities in electoral processes and toppling of governments across the region.
As Ghana prepares for upcoming district assembly elections and the 2024 General Elections, the focus on security arrangements has become paramount. The challenge lies in countering the calculated violence orchestrated to disrupt the electoral process and compromise the integrity of institutions overseeing these critical events.
The coordinated efforts of the EC, the Police, and other security agencies are essential in maintaining Ghana’s democratic ideals.
The commitment to a secure and fair electoral process, devoid of orchestrated violence, will not only preserve the nation’s democratic legacy but also safeguard the credibility of institutions entrusted with overseeing these fundamental exercises in governance.
