Ghana’s 2024 General Election: A Commendation of Security Arrangements and Institutional Roles
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, leading a delegation from the West African Elders Forum, visited Ghana during its 2024 general election to assess the security measures in place. He expressed profound admiration for the robust security arrangements, commending the professionalism and commitment of Ghana’s security agencies in ensuring a peaceful electoral process. His visit included a stop at the Ghana Police Headquarters and the Situation Room, where he received real-time updates on the election’s progress from across the country. While acknowledging a few isolated incidents of violence, including one fatality and two injuries reported in the Northern and Central Regions, respectively, he expressed optimism about the overall conduct of the elections, noting encouraging reports from observers. Jonathan’s assessment highlighted the critical role of key institutions in facilitating credible elections.
Jonathan emphasized the importance of three key institutions in ensuring successful elections: the Electoral Commission, the Judiciary, and the Security Agencies. He drew an analogy to a soccer game, where politicians are the players, and these institutions act as referees, responsible for regulating the playing field and ensuring fair play. He argued that if these institutions function with integrity and uphold the rule of law, politicians will be compelled to act accordingly. Conversely, if these institutions compromise their principles, it creates an environment where politicians may engage in misconduct. This underscores the profound influence these bodies exert on the electoral landscape, impacting the overall fairness, transparency, and credibility of the process.
The former Nigerian president specifically praised the leadership of Ghana’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, for his proactive involvement in overseeing security operations. Jonathan highlighted the IGP’s presence in the Situation Room throughout the election period, even until the announcement of results, as a testament to his commitment and hands-on approach. He noted that such direct involvement from a high-ranking officer was commendable and set a positive example for the entire security apparatus. This proactive leadership, Jonathan observed, significantly contributes to maintaining order and encouraging responsible behavior among all stakeholders involved in the electoral process.
Jonathan’s high praise for the security arrangements extended beyond the IGP’s personal involvement. He expressed his satisfaction with the comprehensive security measures implemented across the country, highlighting the effective deployment of personnel and resources. This, he believed, created a secure environment for voters to exercise their democratic rights without fear of intimidation or violence. He acknowledged that while isolated incidents occurred, they did not overshadow the overall peaceful atmosphere that prevailed during the election. This overall positive assessment of security reflects the effectiveness of the strategies employed by the Ghanaian authorities.
The West African Elders Forum delegation leader’s positive assessment of the electoral process also stemmed from the reports he received from various observers. These reports, he stated, indicated a generally smooth and orderly election, with high voter turnout and adherence to electoral procedures. This feedback reinforced his optimistic outlook on the overall conduct of the election and provided further validation for the effectiveness of the security arrangements and the commitment of the electoral stakeholders. The positive observer reports, coupled with his own observations, painted a picture of a democratic process that was largely free, fair, and credible.
Jonathan’s visit, while primarily focused on security, also touched on the broader importance of peaceful and transparent elections for democratic consolidation in Ghana. He emphasized that the commitment displayed by the Ghanaian authorities in ensuring a secure and credible election fostered trust in the electoral process and strengthened the country’s democratic institutions. By commending Ghana’s efforts, Jonathan implicitly underscored the importance of these principles for the entire West African region, highlighting Ghana as a positive example for other nations striving to consolidate their democracies. His observations and commendations contribute to a broader understanding of the challenges and successes in conducting free and fair elections in the region.
