By Ashiadey Dotse
The Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Elections Committee, Joseph Osei Owusu, says the military will be placed on standby in Bawku and other high-risk areas during the party’s presidential primaries to strengthen security and protect voters.
Speaking in an interview on GTV’s Breakfast Show on Tuesday January 27, 2026, Mr Osei Owusu explained that the security arrangement for the primaries will be led by the Ghana Police Service, with support from the military where necessary. He said the move is part of a wider plan to ensure a peaceful, free and credible voting process across the country.
According to him, the police have put in place a three-layer security system. In peaceful areas, a minimum of 70 police officers will be deployed to man barricades and control access to polling centres. In areas considered sensitive, the number of officers could be increased to 150, supported by patrol teams on standby.
Mr Osei Owusu noted that in places with specific security concerns, such as Bawku, the military will take a more active role, even though the police remain in charge of overall security. He said intelligence reports shared between the police and the military informed the decision to strengthen security in those areas.
He also dismissed fears of intimidation and the use of private security or “machomen” on voting day. Mr Osei Owusu said the committee has engaged all the contestants and their agents, and none reported any serious security threat. He added that only two accredited personal security personnel will be allowed to accompany each contestant, while no other private security will be permitted at the voting venues.
The NPP Primaries Chair expressed confidence that the arrangements will prevent violence and reassure party members. He stressed that all candidates have signed a peace pact, committing to accept the results, support the eventual winner, and work together for party unity after the primaries.
