We should live up to expectation

To cap their intentions, the flag bearers of the seven political parties and the independent presidential candidate last Tuesday affirmed their commitment to uphold peace when they appended their signatures to a novelty electoral pact which has become known as the Kumasi Declaration, put together by the National Peace Council and the Manhyia Palace.

This is all well and good. We at the Daily Graphic believe that for all these to succeed, the role of the security services and the need to fully motivate their personnel to give of their best cannot be underestimated.

This is because well-motivated security services will ensure the avoidance of some of the nasty incidents that disturb our electoral processes, such as the snatching of ballot boxes. An army, it is said, does not march on an empty stomach.

That is why we are happy at the announcement by the Interior Minister, Mr W.K. Aboah, in Ho yesterday that the government had released funds for the payment of ration for all security personnel who would be deployed for election duties.

 We note that the government has already provided some necessary accoutrement for the security services meant to boost their operational efficiency.

Addressing security personnel in the Volta Region on issues concerning the elections, Mr Aboah said the release of the funds was in fulfilment of the government’s promise to release money ahead of the elections to enable personnel to prepare fully for their tasks during the elections.

It is our expectation that personnel who will be deployed for duty during the elections will have the full benefit of the money made available to them and in good time to serve as an assurance and motivation to them.  It should be possible, with seven more days to voting day, for the relevant bodies handling these payments to effect   the payments through the banks to avoid the logistical problems associated with table-top payments.

With the equipment and funds provided, we are convinced that security personnel deployed for election duties will display a very high sense of professionalism and fairness to all parties and be committed to ensuring successful elections.

In this way, Ghana can show to the whole world that after 20 years and six elections since the return to constitutional rule, we have come of age.