Election security task force engages UTAG

The National Election Security Task Force has engaged the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) in Accra to deliberate on issues of relevance.

It forms part of ongoing stakeholder engagements to ensure a peaceful 2024 general election.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and Chairman of the Security Task Force, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, said the meeting was to inform the association about the work the task force had undertaken and the preparations made so far, particularly for D-Day and post-D-Day situations.

He explained that the goal of last Wednesday’s meeting was to present the overall plan to the association, providing them with the opportunity to apply their critical mindsets by reviewing and offering constructive feedback on the security plans for the elections.

The IGP also stated that the meeting was to give the association a platform to express members’ concerns and to offer advice, ensuring that any fears they might have held were addressed and allayed.

While urging the association to actively participate in the election process, Dr Dampare encouraged the members to serve as vessels of peace within both the academic and traditional communities by helping to spread the message of peaceful elections.

The IGP stressed the importance of not only advocating peace but also embodying it through actions, ensuring that the message of peace, security, orderliness and love for the country reached everyone who mattered. 

By doing so, Dr Dampare stated, all stakeholders could be confident that they had played their part in securing a peaceful election period.

Peace ambassadors

The IGP further assured Ghanaians that peace would be demonstrated not just through words but through actions.

The IGP highlighted the country’s current peaceful electioneering atmosphere, made possible through the collaboration of all relevant stakeholders, and expressed his trust that the momentum would continue.

He emphasised that the collective effort was driven by the love for the nation's forebears and, more importantly, for future generations who would inherit the country.

Reassuring the public about the preparations for the elections, Dr Dampare confirmed that all necessary structures and arrangements were in place. 

Special Voting

The IGP affirmed that the special voting would take place on Monday, followed by the general election on December 7, 2024, with security firmly in order.

Dr Dampare also highlighted the presence of intelligence officers across the country, working day and night, to ensure that the election period remained peaceful. 

He warned that trouble causers would see the inside of the police cells and, therefore, urged the public not to entertain thoughts of disrupting the peace.

In addition, the IGP announced the implementation of an informant reward system and encouraged individuals to share information with the security services to help maintain peace during the election period and beyond.

He gave an assurance that the identity of informants would remain confidential and that regional, divisional and district commanders were available to handle that information.

The reward system offers incentives ranging from GH¢1,000 to GH¢20,000.

The IGP also provided a toll-free number, 0800311311, for those who may find it difficult to reach the commanders in person.

Dr Dampare commended the political parties and their members for their conduct during the campaign period and urged them to carry the same level of comportment into the elections.

Critical point

The UTAG President, Professor Mamudu A. Akudugu, thanked the National Elections Security Task Force for the invitation to engage with them at this critical point in the country's electioneering.

He stated that it was the first time in the country’s history that the association had been invited to collaborate with the security forces to ensure a peaceful election.

The heads of the other security services, who are members of the task force, took the opportunity to reiterate their commitment to ensuring peaceful elections, assuring Ghanaians that their efforts would continue to safeguard the electoral process.