Dr. Adam Bonaa Urges Against Military Presence at Polling Stations in Upcoming Elections
In light of Ghana's upcoming December 7 elections, security expert Dr. Adam Bonaa has advised against deploying the military to polling stations, emphasizing that the Ghana Police Service has sufficient resources to manage security. Dr. Bonaa contended that deploying military personnel during elections could be counterproductive unless a state of emergency was declared.
Dr. Bonaa’s remarks were part of a lecture series held in Accra on "Ghana's Democracy Development: Assessing the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act 2019 for Ensuring Peaceful December 2024 Elections." Organized by Care for Free and Fair Elections Ghana (Care Ghana) and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), the event highlighted rising concerns about electoral violence and stressed the importance of fostering a peaceful voting environment.
Since the enactment of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act in 2019, which aimed to curb vigilante groups affiliated with political parties, these groups have proliferated rather than diminished. Dr. Bonaa expressed concern that many vigilante group members have re-emerged within Ghana's security services or have established private security companies, often engaging in similar activities under a different guise. He argued that these developments undermine Ghana's democratic process and called on citizens to support leaders who prioritize accountability and transparency.
Highlighting the potential hazards of unchecked vigilante activity, Dr. Bonaa urged the judiciary to ensure fair rulings, noting that biased or unpredictable legal decisions could erode public trust and lead to civil unrest.
Professor Alidu Seidu, Head of the Political Science Department at the University of Ghana, added that vigilantism often discourages voter participation, as fear for personal safety could dissuade citizens from exercising their right to vote. He attributed the emergence of vigilante groups to a lack of trust among political elites, who feel compelled to create their own security units for personal protection.
Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, a former chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), offered further perspective on the issue, emphasizing that internal party security forces should not be equated with vigilante groups. According to Dr. Ampofo, these security teams are professional and are tasked with ensuring party order, with members receiving formal training and remuneration.
The panel’s discussion underscored the need for collaboration among government bodies, political parties, and citizens to reduce electoral tension and reinforce democratic values. By focusing on policy reforms and transparent governance, Dr. Bonaa and other experts believe that Ghana can safeguard its democratic principles and promote peaceful, fair elections.
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