Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have commended the National Election Security Taskforce (NESTF) for its strategic plans aimed at preventing violence during elections. The CSOs lauded the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, who leads the taskforce, for implementing comprehensive security measures designed to reduce disturbances and ensure a peaceful electoral process.
CSOs’ Positive Assessment
During a press conference, Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, Executive Director of The Ark Foundation, praised the security plans and engagement with the National Election Security Taskforce (NESTF). She said the CSOs were encouraged by the measures put in place, which they believe will help maintain peace throughout the country during the election period.
“The IGP informed us about the measures being taken to engage those involved in acts of violence, with the goal of preventing loss of life and minimizing unrest throughout the country,” said Madam Dwamena-Aboagye.
She highlighted that the CSOs appreciated the proactive approach taken by the IGP and the security agencies. “As representatives of Civil Society, we will continue to serve as watchdogs, monitoring police actions and assessing the state of peace and security in our communities. We remain committed to evaluating the level of stability or disruption occurring across the nation,” she added.
Security Measures Shared by ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi
ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Director of Communications at the Ghana Police Service, provided further details about the security strategies implemented by NESTF. She outlined the three-phase security plan for pre-election, Election Day, and post-election periods.
- Pre-election Phase: ACP Ansah-Akrofi noted that ahead of the elections, NESTF made its election security strategy public and actively engaged with stakeholders. Intelligence operations were deployed across the country to ensure that potential threats were identified and addressed. The police also provided support to the Electoral Commission in its preparations for the election.
- Election Day: On Election Day, security personnel were deployed to polling stations and collation centres across the nation. Swift arrests were made in response to incidents of violence or misconduct during the election period.
- Post-election Phase: In the current post-election phase, ACP Ansah-Akrofi reported that all security measures are still in full effect. She acknowledged that incidents of lawlessness were reported in Bono, Eastern, and Greater Accra regions, but assured the public that security forces had responded quickly to restore order.
As of now, 107 suspects have been arrested for their involvement in various acts of violence and lawlessness. One suspect has been granted bail, while the remaining 106 suspects are undergoing legal processing.
Additional Security Measures
To further strengthen security across the nation, ACP Ansah-Akrofi outlined additional measures, including:
- Joint Patrols: Intensified joint patrols with other security agencies.
- Deployment of Intelligence Officers: Increased monitoring of communities to identify potential threats.
- Ongoing Arrests: The police have pledged to arrest anyone involved in electoral violence, with a focus on those attempting to disrupt the peace.
Ongoing Engagement with Stakeholders
ACP Ansah-Akrofi also emphasized the importance of continued engagement with political party leaders, CSOs, and other stakeholders to foster collaboration in maintaining peace. “This engagement is crucial for maintaining stability as we move forward,” she said. “By working together with various groups, the police aim to create a unified front against any potential disruptions and promote a culture of dialogue and understanding among all parties involved in the electoral process.”
Conclusion
The efforts of the National Election Security Taskforce (NESTF), under the leadership of the IGP, have been met with widespread approval from Civil Society Organisations. The security measures outlined for the pre-election, Election Day, and post-election phases are seen as critical steps toward ensuring a peaceful and violence-free electoral process in Ghana. The ongoing collaboration between the police, political parties, CSOs, and other stakeholders will be key to maintaining order and upholding Ghana’s reputation as a stable democracy in Africa.
