A fellow at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD Ghana), Francis Tsegah, has advocated for the exclusive deployment of police to handle security operations during the upcoming 2024 general elections in Ghana.
During a public dialogue on election reforms organized by CDD Ghana with support from the European Union (EU) in Takoradi, Ambassador Tsegah emphasized the importance of adhering to the law, which stipulates that internal security should be managed by the police and not the military.
Referencing the recent crisis in Kenya triggered by government-imposed taxes, Ambassador Tsegah emphasized the need for Ghana to resolve issues through judicial processes rather than resorting to force.
Nana Egya Kwamena XI, the Chief of Apremdo, also called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to safeguard election equipment from potential hacking threats that could compromise the security and integrity of the electoral process.
Furthermore, Joseph Oti Frempng, a Programme Officer at CDD Ghana, cautioned against exploiting chieftaincy, land, and ethnic conflicts for political gain during elections. Despite the electoral process reforms in Ghana, such as the introduction of voter identification cards and transparent ballot boxes, Mr. Frempng emphasized the need for additional measures to ensure free and fair elections.
Mr. Frempng specifically recommended that the EC establish clear legal and administrative procedures to address irregularities by polling and collation officials during elections. He also urged the EC to ensure timely and transparent publication of detailed polling station and collation center results on its website before declaring the presidential election results.
As Ghana prepares for the 2024 elections, stakeholders are emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic principles and ensuring a peaceful electoral process for the benefit of all citizens.
