The Ghana Police Service has issued a crucial directive for the upcoming Saturday elections, urging all motorbike riders to maintain a safe distance of at least 100 meters from polling stations nationwide. This directive stems from intelligence gathered by the police, indicating that motorbike riders have been attempting to access various polling stations, raising concerns about potential security risks. ACP Grace Ansah Akrofi, Director of Public Affairs for the Ghana Police Service, emphasized this directive during a press briefing, highlighting the importance of ensuring the safety and security of voters by preventing congestion and potential disruptions at polling stations. Police officers have been instructed to enforce this directive and ensure compliance from all motorbike riders.
This directive is part of a broader effort by the Ghana Police Service to maintain peace and order during the election process. The public has been encouraged to play an active role in ensuring a secure environment by reporting any suspicious activities or information to the police through their toll-free number, 0800 311 311. ACP Akrofi underscored the critical need for accurate information dissemination, cautioning against the spread of misinformation and disinformation, which could jeopardize the peaceful conduct of the elections. The spread of false or misleading information can create confusion, incite violence, or undermine public trust in the electoral process, all of which could have serious consequences for the stability and integrity of the elections.
The National Election Security Task Force, which includes the Ghana Police Service, has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a peaceful and secure electoral process. ACP Akrofi assured the public of their preparedness and commitment, emphasizing their presence on the ground to secure the election process from start to finish. This commitment involves comprehensive security measures, including the deployment of personnel to polling stations, monitoring of potential threats, and swift response to any security incidents that may arise. The Task Force is working diligently to create a secure environment that allows citizens to exercise their right to vote freely and without fear.
The directive to motorbike riders, combined with the public’s cooperation in reporting suspicious activities and the proactive measures by the National Election Security Task Force, is aimed at fostering a secure and peaceful election environment. This collaborative effort between law enforcement and the public is crucial for the successful conduct of the elections. By working together, Ghanaians can contribute to a smooth and transparent electoral process, reflecting the democratic values of the nation. The focus is on ensuring that the elections are conducted with integrity and that the outcome is a true reflection of the will of the people.
The emphasis on accurate information and the call for public vigilance further underscores the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. Misinformation and disinformation can have detrimental effects on the public’s perception of the elections and can even lead to unrest. By encouraging the public to rely on credible sources of information and to report any suspicious activities, the Ghana Police Service is empowering citizens to actively participate in maintaining a peaceful and credible election.
Ultimately, the success of the elections depends on the collective effort of all stakeholders – the security agencies, the electoral commission, political parties, civil society organizations, and the general public. By working together and adhering to the guidelines and directives issued by the authorities, Ghana can ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible election that strengthens its democratic institutions and upholds the will of the people. The call for peace and security resonates throughout the message from the Ghana Police Service, emphasizing the collective responsibility of all Ghanaians to contribute to a successful election outcome.
