The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on the Ghana Police Service to ensure maximum security at collation centres across the country. This plea follows incidents of vandalism and unrest reportedly instigated by some supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over delays in announcing parliamentary results.
The 2024 elections have been marked by high stakes and intense scrutiny, culminating in significant concerns over security at key electoral sites. Both President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and President-elect John Dramani Mahama have strongly condemned the violence, urging restraint among supporters of all political parties.
Speaking at a press conference held in Accra on Wednesday, December 11, the NPP’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, emphasized the critical role of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare, in maintaining order and ensuring the safety of electoral officials, party agents, and voters.
Frimpong appealed to the police to deploy robust security measures at collation centres to prevent further escalation of violence. He underscored the importance of safeguarding the democratic process and enabling the Electoral Commission (EC) to carry out its duties without interference.
“We’re calling on the police, Mr. IGP. The safety of this country is in your hands. Everybody is watching you, and everybody is counting on you,” Frimpong said. “Let your men provide maximum security at all collation centres so that officers of the Electoral Commission can do their constitutional duty of ensuring we have credible parliamentary candidates-elect in our next Parliament.”
Tensions Rise Over Delayed Parliamentary Results
The delays in declaring parliamentary results have sparked unrest in several constituencies, with reports of damage to property and threats against EC officials. Many Ghanaians have expressed frustration over the prolonged announcement process, which has fueled tensions between supporters of the NPP and NDC.
President Akufo-Addo and President-elect Mahama have both reiterated their commitment to a peaceful post-election environment. In separate statements, they urged their supporters to exercise patience and refrain from acts of violence.
“Our democracy is built on peace and respect for due process. Let us all uphold these principles, even in the face of delays or disagreements,” President-elect Mahama stated during a televised address. Similarly, President Akufo-Addo assured Ghanaians of a smooth transition of power and condemned actions that undermine national unity.
Police Under Pressure to Maintain Order
The Ghana Police Service has been under immense pressure to address security challenges during the electoral period. The IGP, Dr. Akuffo-Dampare, has faced calls from various stakeholders, including civil society organizations and political parties, to ensure the safety of all involved in the electoral process.
In response, the police have pledged to deploy additional personnel to hotspots and intensify patrols around collation centres. A statement issued by the Ghana Police Service highlighted their commitment to maintaining law and order, adding that any individuals caught engaging in unlawful activities would face the full force of the law.
Stakeholders Urge Calm and Restraint
As tensions simmer, stakeholders from various sectors, including religious leaders and traditional authorities, have called for calm and restraint. The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference issued a statement condemning post-election violence and urging all parties to prioritize national unity.
“Our nation’s peace must not be sacrificed on the altar of political rivalry. We call on all Ghanaians to remain calm and support the democratic process,” the statement read.
Civil society groups have also emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in resolving disputes related to the election. They have urged the Electoral Commission to expedite the collation and announcement of results to alleviate public anxiety.
A Test for Ghana’s Democracy
The events surrounding the 2024 elections have underscored the resilience of Ghana’s democracy but have also highlighted areas for improvement in managing electoral processes. Analysts have noted that the peaceful resolution of these tensions will be a critical test for the country’s institutions and leadership.
With the Electoral Commission working diligently to finalize parliamentary results, all eyes remain on the police and other security agencies to ensure a smooth conclusion to the electoral process. The NPP’s call for enhanced security reflects a broader consensus on the need to protect Ghana’s democratic gains and uphold the integrity of the electoral system.
As Ghanaians await the final results, the nation must rally together to overcome this period of uncertainty. The commitment of all stakeholders—political parties, security agencies, and citizens alike—will be instrumental in safeguarding Ghana’s democracy and ensuring a peaceful transition of power.
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