Election 2024: Military will only act on Police request – GAF
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has assured the public of its neutrality and limited role in the December 7 general elections, addressing concerns about potential military presence at polling stations.
The GAF clarified that soldiers will not be deployed to polling stations during the elections. Their role will be limited to supporting the police, and only upon request.
During a meeting between the Election Security Taskforce and the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Brigadier General Kweku Dankwa Hagan, head of operations, training, and peacekeeping at the Armed Forces headquarters, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to maintaining peace and order.
“We understand that some citizens are concerned about the military’s involvement in the election process,” Brigadier General Hagan stated. “The Ghana Police Service, along with other security agencies under the Ministry of Interior, will lead security operations at over 40,000 polling stations. You will not see military personnel like myself at these locations.”
He explained that while the military will not be present at polling stations, they will assist in managing security at identified flashpoints and high-risk areas, as determined in collaboration with the police and Electoral Commission.
“We have worked with the police service to identify more than 1,000 potential hotspots. Our personnel will only intervene if requested by the police,” he added.
This reassurance forms part of the Election Security Taskforce’s efforts to boost public confidence in the security measures being implemented for the upcoming elections.
