Dr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante, the Director of Policy Engagement and Partnerships at the Center for Democratic Development Ghana (CDD-Ghana), has voiced grave concerns about accountability within Ghana's state security apparatus. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on November 30, 2024, Dr. Asante warned that the absence of effective accountability mechanisms could pose significant risks to peace and discipline during the forthcoming December elections.
Reflecting on unresolved incidents from the 2020 elections, Dr. Asante underscored the troubling implications of failing to hold security personnel accountable for actions that violate the law. He highlighted cases where security forces were implicated in violent acts resulting in injuries and fatalities, yet no concrete measures were taken to ensure justice or transparency.
According to him, this lack of accountability not only erodes public trust but also undermines the command and control structures within the security sector. "When accountability is missing, it becomes difficult to impose discipline. Security officers implicated in illegal activities that caused fatalities during the 2020 elections remain unpunished. This sends a dangerous message that some sectors are above the law," he said.
Dr. Asante argued that successive governments have been hesitant to hold security officers accountable, a trend he believes compromises the integrity of Ghana's electoral process. He emphasized the need for stronger measures to ensure accountability, which would serve as a deterrent to misconduct and help foster public confidence in the state’s security institutions.
Beyond accountability, Dr. Asante raised pressing questions about the military’s involvement in elections, particularly their role at collation centers. He cited previous elections where the presence of military personnel at collation centers caused public anxiety and called for clarity on the matter.
"The military’s presence at collation centers in previous elections created tension. While there are assurances they won’t be stationed at polling stations, their potential involvement at collation centers needs to be clearly defined. Without transparency, we risk misunderstandings that could escalate into conflict," he explained.
Dr. Asante urged the Electoral Commission and the Election Security Task Force to provide detailed explanations of the security protocols for the upcoming elections. This, he argued, is critical to ensuring a peaceful process and avoiding the mistakes of the past.
He stressed that transparency in security arrangements is vital to reassuring voters and maintaining calm during the election period. "The public needs to know what to expect at polling stations and collation centers. If the security setup is unclear, it could heighten tensions and disrupt the electoral process," Dr. Asante warned.
The role of the military in Ghana's elections has been a contentious issue, especially following the 2020 elections, where their presence was linked to several incidents of voter intimidation and violence. Dr. Asante noted that such incidents must not be repeated, as they undermine the credibility of the electoral process and deepen public skepticism.
Dr. Asante’s remarks come at a time when Ghana’s political climate is charged with heightened anticipation for the 2024 elections. The elections are expected to be fiercely contested, and any perceived biases or misconduct by the security forces could have far-reaching consequences for national stability.
The Director called on all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and the media, to collaborate in advocating for accountability within the security sector. He also urged the Election Security Task Force to adopt proactive measures to address potential threats to peace and security.
The recurring issue of military involvement in elections has sparked debates across various sectors. Some political analysts argue that the presence of armed forces at polling stations or collation centers undermines the democratic process, while others believe their involvement is necessary to maintain law and order.
Dr. Asante, however, maintained that if the military is to play any role in the elections, it must be clearly defined and communicated to the public. "We cannot afford a situation where the military’s involvement leads to fear and mistrust among the electorate. Their role must be specific, transparent, and consistent with democratic principles," he stated.
In addition to security concerns, Dr. Asante reflected on lessons from the 2020 elections and called for the implementation of measures to address unresolved issues. He stressed the importance of learning from past mistakes to prevent a repeat of the challenges encountered during that period.
As Ghana prepares for the 2024 elections, the stakes are high, and the role of state security forces remains a critical factor in ensuring a peaceful and credible process. Dr. Asante’s call for accountability and transparency resonates with many who believe that the integrity of Ghana’s democracy depends on the actions taken in the lead-up to the elections.
The Electoral Commission, in collaboration with the Election Security Task Force, faces the daunting task of managing security arrangements in a manner that promotes trust and confidence among the electorate. Whether these efforts will be enough to address the challenges raised by Dr. Asante remains to be seen.
For now, the need for a clear, accountable, and transparent approach to security during the elections cannot be overstated. The decisions made in the coming weeks will determine not only the success of the 2024 elections but also the broader trajectory of Ghana’s democratic journey.
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