The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has issued a statement outlining stringent security measures for access to collation centers during the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections. These measures aim to ensure the integrity and security of the vote collation process, a critical stage in determining the outcome of the elections. Access will be strictly limited to accredited individuals and groups, including media personnel, candidates and their designated agents, officially accredited observers, and other individuals or entities granted accreditation by the Electoral Commission (EC). These restrictions are in line with established protocols for national-level elections and underscore the GPS’s commitment to maintaining order and transparency throughout the electoral process. The statement emphasizes that these arrangements are consistent with standard procedures employed during previous national elections.
The GPS’s statement details specific security protocols that will be implemented at all collation centers across the country. All individuals seeking entry will undergo thorough screening procedures to verify their accreditation status and ensure the security of the centers. Vehicular access will also be tightly controlled, with only authorized vehicles permitted within the premises. Furthermore, motorcycles will be prohibited within a 100-meter radius of the collation centers. This comprehensive approach to security is designed to prevent unauthorized access and maintain a secure environment for the collation of results.
The implementation of these security measures follows the conclusion of the voting phase of the 2024 elections, which commenced around 7 AM and saw approximately 95% of polling stations closing by 5 PM, according to the Electoral Commission (EC). As the counting phase progresses at individual polling stations, the results are then transported to designated collation centers, where they are officially tallied and certified. The GPS’s emphasis on security at this juncture aims to protect the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that the final results accurately reflect the will of the Ghanaian people.
The statement released by the GPS serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of maintaining security and transparency throughout the electoral process. By restricting access to accredited individuals and implementing strict security protocols, the GPS aims to create a controlled and secure environment for the collation of results. This careful approach is designed to prevent any irregularities or interference that could compromise the integrity of the election. The GPS urges all stakeholders, including candidates, political parties, and the general public, to fully cooperate with these arrangements to ensure a smooth and credible collation process.
The successful conduct of elections is a cornerstone of democratic governance, and the GPS’s proactive measures underscore their commitment to upholding the democratic principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness. The strict security measures at collation centers are essential to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and maintain public trust in the outcome. By limiting access, enforcing strict screening procedures, and controlling vehicular movement around these sensitive locations, the GPS aims to minimize the risk of any disruptions or attempts to manipulate the results. The emphasis on security reflects the GPS’s recognition of the significance of this stage of the election and their dedication to ensuring a peaceful and credible election process.
The ongoing electoral process in Ghana involves not only the selection of a new president but also the election of members of parliament. The comprehensive security measures implemented by the GPS are crucial for safeguarding the integrity of both presidential and parliamentary elections. These measures, along with the cooperation of all stakeholders, are essential for ensuring a smooth and transparent transition of power, upholding the democratic values of Ghana, and maintaining public trust in the electoral process. The GPS’s statement serves as a clear message of their commitment to facilitating a free, fair, and secure election process for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
