By: Juliet Mettle-Edmonds
The Ghana Police Service has announced that it will deploy a ‘Black Maria’, a mobile prison during the upcoming Akwatia By-Election to detain anyone who tries to disturb the electoral process.
On the final day of training for officers scheduled to be deployed for the election, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohunu, emphasized the service’s readiness to maintain law and order.
Mr. Yohunu said this at the High-Risk Operation Training Centre in the Eastern Region, where he announced that individuals who engage in any form of violence or disruption will be swiftly arrested and processed for prosecution.
Vehicle Search Simulation Exercise
During a vehicle search simulation exercise, at the High-Risk Operation Training Centre, Police received a tip-off that some individuals had snatched ballot boxes. Officers swiftly responded by launching a coordinated search operation to retrieve the stolen items.
A group of well-built men stormed a known flashpoint, the Glass House Polling Station. In the middle of voting, these men forcefully seized ballot boxes and vandalized equipment being used by electoral officials. To restore order and allow the electoral process to continue, the Police had to deploy tactical measures to apprehend the suspects.
Rappelling Exercise
Next was the rappelling exercise, A strategic maneuver where officers descend using ropes to gain access in situations where entry routes are blocked, or no access route ensuring peace and stability in restricted areas.
The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, assured the public that the Akwatia election will be peaceful and well-secured.
“There is no fear for Akwatia, this will be one of the best and peaceful elections because we are fully prepared”
“If you come quietly to vote, we will receive you quietly, if you have any intention of causing trouble, we will not allow you to go free, we will change your location. We will house you in different forms, before your trouble goes far.”
“Under no circumstances will someone come to the polling station to create a problem and we will allow the person to go free.”
Mr. Yohuno said more men will also be trained in Public Order Management in Accra.
All Regional Commanders will be deployed to the 21 Electoral Areas as part of efforts to ensure a peaceful and orderly by-election
