The Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) has clarified its decision to relocate the collation of election results from specific constituencies to the Tesano Police Training Depot in Accra. This move was necessitated by security concerns arising from disruptions and threats experienced at the original collation centers. The EC, in consultation with the Ghana Police Service, determined that the Tesano facility provided the necessary security infrastructure to ensure the safety of election officials and the integrity of the collation process. The relocation aimed to mitigate the risks posed by political party supporters who had besieged some constituency collation centers, subjecting election officials to attacks, intimidation, and threats, thus hindering their ability to perform their duties effectively.
The precarious security situation at these original collation centers underscored the need for enhanced security measures. Reports indicated incidents of vandalism and physical altercations, creating an environment of fear and intimidation for election officials. The EC, recognizing the potential for further escalation and compromise of the electoral process, sought to establish a more secure environment for the completion of the collation exercise. The Tesano Training Depot, with its existing security apparatus and capacity for controlled access, offered a suitable alternative location, enabling the EC to resume the collation process without undue influence or disruption.
The selection of the Tesano Training Depot was not arbitrary but a strategic decision based on consultations with the Ghana Police Service. This collaborative approach aimed to leverage the police’s expertise in security assessment and deployment to ensure the safety and security of all stakeholders involved in the collation process. The police played a crucial role in providing adequate security personnel and establishing a controlled perimeter around the facility, effectively mitigating the risks previously encountered at the constituency collation centers.
The re-collation exercise at the Tesano Training Depot proceeded with the participation of agents representing all major political parties. This inclusive approach ensured transparency and allowed for observation and verification of the collation process by representatives of the competing political interests. The presence of party agents served as a check and balance, promoting accountability and building confidence in the integrity of the electoral process.
The EC’s decision to relocate the collation process, while necessary, highlights the challenges faced in ensuring the security of elections and the vulnerability of election officials to intimidation and threats. It underscores the importance of fostering a culture of respect for the electoral process and promoting peaceful participation by all stakeholders. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for proactive security measures to safeguard the integrity of elections and protect those tasked with administering them.
The incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of security arrangements at the original constituency collation centers and the need for improved planning and coordination between the EC and security agencies in future elections. Lessons learned from this experience should inform strategies for enhancing security protocols, including better risk assessment, deployment of adequate security personnel, and the establishment of robust communication channels between election officials and security forces. These measures are vital for ensuring the smooth and secure conduct of elections, upholding the democratic process, and maintaining public trust in the electoral system.
