The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana is preparing to resume the collation of results from the December 7th general elections, specifically focusing on the outstanding constituencies. This resumption follows a previous suspension attributed to security concerns and criticisms leveled against the National Election Security Task Force for inadequate protection at collation centers. In response to the EC’s concerns and to ensure a smooth and secure continuation of the process, the task force has confirmed the deployment of military personnel to assist the police in maintaining law and order at these crucial locations. This joint security operation aims to create a stable environment for the EC to finalize the results without further interruption.
The decision to deploy military personnel alongside the police underscores the sensitivity and importance of this phase of the electoral process. The EC’s prior suspension of the collation process highlighted vulnerabilities and the potential for disruption, raising concerns about the integrity of the elections. By reinforcing security measures, the task force seeks to prevent any recurrence of the issues that led to the initial suspension and to assure the public of their commitment to a peaceful and transparent process. The deployment aims to deter any potential threats or disruptions and to maintain a controlled environment conducive to the accurate and timely collation of the remaining results.
ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Director of Public Affairs for the Ghana Police Service and spokesperson for the election security task force, addressed the media on December 20th, outlining the security arrangements and emphasizing the need for cooperation from all stakeholders. She highlighted the importance of maintaining order at collation centers and urged political actors to refrain from inciting their supporters to gather at these sensitive locations. Such gatherings, she warned, could escalate tensions and undermine the integrity of the electoral process, potentially leading to disruptions or even violence. Her message emphasized the collective responsibility of all parties to ensure a peaceful and credible conclusion to the elections.
ACP Ansah-Akrofi’s address also reiterated the task force’s commitment to providing robust security for the collation process. She emphasized that access to collation centers would be strictly limited to individuals accredited by the EC. This measure is designed to prevent unauthorized individuals from interfering with the process, further enhancing security and ensuring the integrity of the results. The joint police-military deployment will enforce this access restriction, preventing potential disruptions from unauthorized individuals or groups seeking to influence the outcome. This controlled access also serves to protect the EC officials and other authorized personnel involved in the collation process.
The task force’s emphasis on accreditation and restricted access highlights their commitment to transparency and accountability. By limiting access to authorized personnel, the task force aims to ensure that the collation process is conducted in a secure and controlled environment, free from external influence or interference. This transparency is crucial for building public trust in the electoral process and ensuring that the final results are accepted as legitimate and accurate reflections of the will of the people.
The task force’s proactive measures and clear communication demonstrate their commitment to ensuring a peaceful and credible conclusion to the December 7th elections. By deploying joint police-military personnel, restricting access to collation centers, and calling for cooperation from all stakeholders, they aim to create a secure and transparent environment for the completion of the collation process. This commitment is crucial not only for finalizing the election results but also for reinforcing public confidence in the democratic process and maintaining peace and stability in Ghana. The success of this final phase will depend on the cooperation of all involved parties, including political actors, security personnel, and the general public.
