The looming 2024 parliamentary election in Ghana’s Ablekuma North Constituency has prompted a proactive approach to security and transparency, with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, formally requesting a comprehensive roadmap for the collation of results from the Electoral Commission (EC). This request underscores the commitment of the Ghana Police Service to ensuring a peaceful and credible election process, particularly in light of the constituency’s historical sensitivity and the potential for disputes during the crucial results tallying phase. The IGP’s proactive engagement with the EC signifies a collaborative effort to preempt potential challenges and maintain public trust in the electoral process.
The IGP’s request for a detailed roadmap arose during an emergency meeting convened by the Police Management Board (POMAB) with the National Election Security Taskforce (NESTF). This high-level meeting highlights the gravity with which the police are approaching the Ablekuma North election. The roadmap, according to Mr. Yohuno, is essential for effective coordination between security agencies and electoral officials, enabling a more streamlined and secure collation process. This coordinated approach aims to mitigate any potential disruptions or disputes that might arise during the tallying of results, thus ensuring the integrity of the electoral outcome. The emphasis on inter-agency collaboration underscores a commitment to a unified and robust security framework for the election.
Prior discussions between the EC and POMAB representatives had laid the groundwork for this request. During these preliminary discussions, the EC, represented by Deputy Chairman in charge of operations, Samuel Tettey, expressed its readiness to complete the collation process for the three outstanding polling stations in Ablekuma North. The EC also explicitly requested police assistance to ensure the security of the process. This proactive request from the EC demonstrates their recognition of the importance of security in ensuring a smooth and credible collation process. The outstanding polling stations represent a critical element in finalizing the election results and ensuring the democratic will of the constituents is accurately reflected.
Mr. Yohuno’s emphasis on the historical significance of this election underscores the need for meticulous planning and execution. He characterized the Ablekuma North situation as a “pivotal moment” that would resonate nationally, highlighting the potential for this particular election to set a precedent for future electoral processes. The IGP’s call for specific details regarding the date and location for the final collation signifies the police’s desire to be fully prepared and strategically positioned to maintain order and security. This proactive approach aims to prevent any potential disruptions or irregularities that could compromise the integrity of the election.
The IGP’s assurance of full support from NESTF, in collaboration with other security agencies, further reinforces the commitment to a secure and transparent collation process. This comprehensive security approach will involve engaging key political stakeholders, including the EC, to foster a shared understanding of the collation procedures. This inclusive approach aims to build consensus and trust among all parties involved, thereby minimizing the potential for disagreements or disputes. By involving stakeholders in the security planning, the police aim to create a more collaborative and transparent environment.
Finally, Mr. Tettey, the Deputy Chairman of the EC, echoed the IGP’s optimism, expressing confidence in the planned roadmap for the Ablekuma North collation. His confirmation of the scheduled meeting with the IGP and NESTF to finalize the roadmap demonstrates the EC’s commitment to working collaboratively with the security agencies to ensure a smooth and credible election. The emphasis on a joint approach to security planning signifies a shared understanding of the importance of transparency and collaboration in ensuring a peaceful and credible election outcome. The coordinated efforts of the EC and the police reflect a shared commitment to upholding the democratic principles of fairness and transparency in the electoral process.
