The Ghana Police Service has denied reports of any disturbances in Nsawam Adoagyiri related to the Electoral Commission’s (EC) re-collation process. The Police issued a statement on December 21, 2024, refuting claims made in a viral video that showed individuals allegedly protesting the EC’s exercise by blocking roads and setting fires.
The video, which rapidly spread across social media platforms, depicted scenes of unrest that many assumed were connected to the ongoing electoral activities, particularly the re-collation of election results in various constituencies. However, the Police quickly clarified that the incident shown in the video had no connection to the events of that day, which took place in Accra.
In their official statement, the Ghana Police Service urged the public to disregard the viral video, emphasizing that the footage was misleading and falsely linked to the re-collation process. The Police clarified that the incident actually occurred earlier in December, on December 8, 2024, and is currently under investigation. The authorities also reassured the public that no such disturbances had occurred on December 21, 2024, in Nsawam Adoagyiri or any other parts of the region in relation to the EC's operations.
The Police strongly condemned the spread of false information, particularly as it had the potential to stoke unnecessary panic and create tensions at a time when maintaining peace during the electoral process is crucial. They called on individuals to refrain from circulating unverified claims that could disrupt the peace and security of the area.
"Today’s collation exercise in Accra has been peaceful and orderly," the statement read, stressing that the events portrayed in the viral video did not reflect the current situation. "The claim that protesters blocked roads and set fires in Nsawam Adoagyiri is false and unrelated to the collation exercise."
In addition to debunking the allegations, the Ghana Police Service reassured residents of Nsawam Adoagyiri that there was an adequate deployment of security personnel to ensure law and order. The Police further called for calm and cooperation from the public, especially in light of the ongoing electoral activities, which are critical to the democratic process.
The incident depicted in the video, which is now under investigation, was reported to have occurred in December and is believed to have been a separate event altogether. The authorities are working to establish the facts surrounding this previous disturbance, which they have described as an isolated incident. The video’s recent circulation has prompted the Police to take proactive steps in ensuring that the public is well-informed and not misled by sensationalized content.
The Police also issued a stern warning to those involved in spreading false information, stating that it could lead to legal consequences. They stressed that the law enforcement agencies were fully committed to upholding public safety and protecting the integrity of the electoral process.
As the 2024 general elections continue to unfold, the Ghana Police Service is determined to maintain a secure environment where all electoral activities can proceed without disruptions. The Commission, which oversees the re-collation process in several constituencies, has also called for vigilance and cooperation from the public, ensuring that only accurate and verified information is disseminated.
For their part, the Electoral Commission has maintained its commitment to a transparent, fair, and orderly electoral process. Despite the occasional challenges and disputes that have arisen during the election period, the EC has consistently worked to resolve issues in a manner that upholds democratic principles. The re-collation process, which is one such example, aims to provide clarity and ensure the legitimacy of election results.
The video controversy serves as a reminder of the critical role that the media and social media play in shaping public perception. While such platforms offer rapid communication, they also carry the risk of spreading misinformation that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
As Ghana’s election season intensifies, the call for responsible media and public behavior has become more pronounced. The Ghana Police Service’s swift response to the viral video reflects their commitment to ensuring that the election process remains peaceful and credible. With the situation under control, the authorities continue to monitor developments closely, prepared to act swiftly should any legitimate disturbances arise.
In conclusion, the Ghana Police Service's prompt debunking of the viral video and its reassurance of the public underscores the importance of accurate reporting during sensitive times. The public is urged to remain vigilant, report any actual disturbances, and refrain from spreading unverified claims that may disrupt the country’s peaceful election atmosphere.
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