The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, has applauded all the political parties and their leaders for conducting descent campaigns devoid of violence as experienced in the past. Dampare who is also the head of the National Elections Security Task Force (NESTF) was speaking during a recent meeting with the political parties and re-echoed the commendation when he led the taskforce to meet the Electoral Commission (EC) in Accra yesterday.
According to Dampare, the conduct of these political leaders and the generality of Ghanaians before and during the campaigns has been exemplary and prayed that the current development would be sustained to ensure peaceful elections on December 7, 2024.
The head of the National Elections Security Task Force also commended the Electoral Commission (EC) and the stakeholders for their peaceful conduct in preparation for the December 7, Elections.
IGP Dampare noted that the commendation reflected the security perspective on how all stakeholders had contributed to creating a conducive secured atmosphere, surpassing previous electoral processes.
He contended that all stakeholders have played their part in trying to walk the talk of peace. He, however, suggested that these efforts should be doubled by ensuring that each stakeholder played their part within the law in a transparent, fair and firm manner, so that their actions, which are in conformity with the law, would be multiple times louder than their words.
He further indicated that the National Election Security Task Force was prepared for the task ahead and urged the EC and its staff to continue to undertake their constitutional mandate, while assuring them of the necessary protection.
He also encouraged the political parties, their leaders and members to fulfill their roles within the law, as required, reaffirming the Task Force’s commitment to their protection.
The IGP additionally urged the generality of Ghanaians to feel free to carry out their activities within the law, assuring them of the Task Force’s readiness to ensure their safety during the elections and beyond.
The Chair person of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa, on her part assured the public of the Commission’s preparedness for the elections. She outlined key milestones achieved, including the registration of over 900,000 new voters earlier this year, and the successful exhibition of the voters’ register at over 40,000 polling centres.
“To make the process more accessible, we also displayed the register online, allowing voters to verify their details with ease,” Mrs. Mensa said.
The Chairperson also provided updates on the distribution of election materials, confirming that ballot papers had been delivered to police armouries in most regions. Outstanding deliveries to the Northern, Bono and Bono East regions were expected to be completed later in the day.
“Our biometric verification devices have been dispatched to over eight regions and the remaining devices will be delivered by this weekend,” she added.
Mrs. Mensa emphasised the rigorous training of over 210,000 temporary election officials, including returning officers and polling assistants.
To enhance efficiency, the EC has introduced instructional materials, such as “aide-memoirs,” to guide officials at polling stations.
Special Voting Arrangements
The EC Chairperson also outlined plans for the special voting exercise scheduled for December 2, 2024. This exercise will cater for security personnel, election officials and accredited media personnel who have applied to vote early.
“Ballot papers, indelible ink, verification devices and other materials are in place for the 328 special voting centers across the country,” she said, adding that the EC had collaborated with the Ghana Journalists Association and security agencies to ensure smooth coordination.
The Chairperson praised the media for amplifying the commission’s efforts and ensuring transparency.
“We are ready to deliver peaceful, credible, and transparent elections on December 7,” Mrs. Mensa concluded.
In attendance at the meeting were the heads of other security services, including the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Bismarck Kwasi Onwona, representing the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS); the Director General of Prisons, Mr. Isaac Kofi Egyir; the Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Julius Kuunuor; the Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service, Mr Kwame Asuah Takyi; the Commissioner of Customs, Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo and members of the Technical Committees of the Task Force.
