By Juliet Mettle-Edmonds
The Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has directed the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to establish a dedicated Electoral Security Monitoring Task Force for the upcoming Akwatia by-election.
Speaking at the Ghana Police Service Regional Commanders Conference held at the Police Headquarters in Accra, the Minister emphasized that this initiative presents a crucial opportunity to address past shortcomings and reinforce the foundations of Ghana’s democratic legacy. He urged the Police Service to collaborate closely with the Electoral Commission, community leaders, and civil society organizations to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
The peaceful conduct of elections remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s democracy. Since the restoration of constitutional rule in 1992, the country has earned international recognition for its relatively smooth democratic transitions. However, recent developments, including the rerun of elections in the Ablekuma North Constituency, have exposed vulnerabilities in the electoral process that must be urgently addressed.
As preparations begin for the Akwatia by-election, the Interior Minister called on the Ghana Police Service to conduct a comprehensive review of its electoral readiness.
“As we prepare for the upcoming by-election in Akwatia, I charge this conference to take a hard look at our electoral preparedness. We must ensure that our personnel are not only deployed in sufficient numbers but are adequately briefed and equipped with the needed resources to prevent and contain election-related violence,” he stated.
“International best practices require that security services operate with neutrality, professionalism, and rapid response capability during elections. I urge you to liaise closely with the Electoral Commission, community leaders, and civil society actors to develop context-sensitive strategies that will enhance confidence in the electoral process.”
“I also request that the IGP establish a dedicated Electoral Security Monitoring Task Force for the Akwatia by-election. Let us seize this opportunity to redeem the lapses of the past and strengthen the legacy of Ghanaian democracy.”
In response to recent incidents of violence during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, assured the public that the Ghana Police Service is taking decisive steps to ensure justice is served. According to the IGP, video footage from the scene is currently under careful review to identify those responsible for the disruptions.
The second Regional Commanders Conference is aimed at reviewing operational strategies and the Service’s performance, assessing progress, and collectively addressing challenges in fulfilling their constitutional mandate. The Conference also aims to strengthen public trust, promote peace and stability, and reinforce the country’s security framework.
