The Ghana Police Service is employing a calculated approach of restraint in managing recent disturbances across the country to prevent escalation and maintain national peace and stability.
This assurance was conveyed during a press briefing held at National Election Election Security Task Force (NESTF) Press centre by the Civic Forum Initiative (CFI) on Monday.
The Civic Forum Initiative, comprising civil society organizations such as the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), the Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), representatives of the National Chief Imam, and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, met with Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare and the Police Management Board (POMAB) to discuss the post-election security situation.
Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, a representative of the Initiative, expressed confidence in the police’s strategies.
“We are glad to hear directly from the police about the measures being taken to address incidents of hooliganism and violence. Their approach prioritizes diplomacy, transparency, and rationality to ensure the safety of all citizens without unnecessary escalation,” she noted.
Dr. Mohammed Marzuq Abubakar, representing the National Chief Imam, emphasised the importance of sustaining peace and constitutional order.
“The police’s strategic patience is commendable. By avoiding excessive force, they are preventing the spread of anger and violence, while ensuring that perpetrators will face the law in due course.”
The Civic Forum Initiative acknowledged the challenges faced by the police and urged Ghanaians to support the service in maintaining order.
Dr. Fred Degbe, Co-Chair of CODEO, praised the police for their calm demeanour during the electoral process, which helped avert chaos. He urged citizens to avoid interpreting the police’s measured response as weakness.
“We have seen incidents of looting and vandalism in isolated areas, but we are reassured by the police that they have identified those responsible and are taking deliberate steps to bring them to justice. Their strategy ensures that law enforcement does not inflame tensions further,” he added.
Mr.Kojo Asante, from CODEO and CDD, explained the importance of adhering to the constitutional processes for declaring election results.
He, therefore, discouraged destructive acts such as burning pink sheets among others. He stressed that the Electoral Commission (EC) must be given the necessary time to complete its work without undue pressure.
Mr Asante also highlighted the police’s efforts to de-escalate tensions, noting that their strategic restraint is aimed at preserving peace and stability.
Reverend Father Michael Kweku, representing the Catholic Bishops Conference, reiterated the need to verify information before acting on it, commending the police for their measured response so far.
He urged citizens to trust the legal processes and allow the EC to conduct its work without interference.
Finally, Reverend Dr. Emmanuel Ansah of the CFI reflected on civil society’s role in improving Ghana’s electoral system over the years.
He cited the development of structured transition processes as a significant achievement, born out of lessons learned from past elections.
Dr. Ansah encouraged the media to report accurately and responsibly to prevent misinformation and partisan distortions.
The Initiative commended the police for their commitment to safeguarding democracy and called on religious and civic groups to pray for a peaceful transition of power.
They reiterated the importance of collective responsibility in fostering national unity and deterring violence.
The Civic Forum Initiative has pledged to continue monitoring developments and engaging stakeholders to ensure that Ghana remains on a stable and democratic path.
ACP Grace Akrofi, Director-General of Public Affairs Directorate of the police, assured the delegation that no act of violence or lawlessness would go unpunished.
She emphasised that their methods aim to uphold Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy and peace in Africa.
