Awaiting a peaceful upcoming election, Ghana has been shaken to its core by a purported leaked audio that reveals the intention of some individuals to either act dishonestly in the elections, or cause the removal of the powers that help turn the key to a democratic election.

Ghana’s electoral history has been coupled with countless forms of deceit, where people are killed for stealing ballot boxes, hurt or arrested, all in the name of trying to dishonestly change the outcome of the electoral process.

If Ghana, which is considered as one of the most democratic countries in Africa, shows any signs of dishonesty in elections, then it really is a wonder how the standard of democracy in Africa has fallen.

Elections in Ghana is an anticipated event that many look up to, in order to exercise their ability to either remove a government or usher in a new line of hope, through a free and fair election.

However, with a released audio that depicts the attempted removal of the IGP in order to prevent strict adherence to rules during the 2024 General elections, the foundations of the nation are rocked.

It may be called a distraction but it deserves the full attention of investigative bodies, as well as the electorates as it has the capacity of either pulling down the faith in the security service or pushing the service to act better in its ways of ensuring a decent election.

The election of a new President always elicit hope. Ghana therefore looks to the Ghana Police Service to ensure security, peace, and stability. Hope that will enable the police rise above party affiliations and forge a compelling force to move the nation forward, with inclusiveness, fairness, equity, and justice.

The leaked audio, as mentioned earlier, reveals that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare will be a thorn in the flesh of party officials and other service personnels with intentions of rigging the 2024 upcoming General Elections.

The leaked therefore reveals plans to oust the IGP. It also mentions the IGP as a National Democratic Congress (NDC) member, who is against the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

IGP’s Presence Important To Remove Poison

Many have suggested that as an NDC member, the IGP also has the power to rig elections. Howbeit, it is a wrong notion as the IGP’s duty is to ensure that the day-to-day activities during an election period is also run freely and fairly without any form of corruption or attempts to rig the elections.

So, an IGP appointed by a ruling party does not mean the ruling party will win power as it is confirmed with previous IGP’s who were appointed by the then ruling government and yet still, these governments were voted out of power without the involvement of the IGP.

To have full attention during the general elections, service personnel vote prior to the general elections which prevent them from contributing to the rigging of elections. Thus, enabling the IGP work for both the government and remain accountable to the people as well.

The IGP has enhanced the status of the force and created a renewed confidence in the service. However, the service is also filled with people who uphold the law and others who are corrupt. As there is light and darkness in the world, so are there two sides in every institution.

The IGP would therefore have to deal keenly with every thorn in his flesh, to ensure a cooperative and peaceful elections next year.

An antidote must be found and applied to Ghana’s age long canker. Yes, it takes time but it always ensures that the best is brought out of every situation. An antidote that brings down all falsehood in the electoral system.

The electoral system of Ghana has been affected with the venom known as “election rigging”, which is unhealthy for a democratic country. As such, plans are to be put in place to fight such a disease.

Regardless of what the audio puts forth, either as a distraction or a warning, the audio is meant to be investigated by all security forces that come into contact with it, because this would help uphold Justice and bring the perpetrators to face the law.

Also, the IGP must ensure that the trust the people have in him should not wane, as he takes measures to fight against any scrupulous individual with intentions of rigging elections in the country.