Election 2024: Don’t interfere in our work – IGP warns private security operatives
The National Elections Security Taskforce, headed by Inspector General of Police (IGP) George Akuffo Dampare, has issued a clear directive to private security operatives to refrain from interfering with state security operations during the upcoming December 7 elections.
Addressing the Association of Private Security Organizations, IGP Dampare emphasized that state security agencies are solely responsible for election security, assuring the public of a peaceful and intimidation-free electoral process.
“The only entity responsible for providing security is the state security,” IGP Dampare stated, adding that the presence of unauthorized private security personnel at polling stations could create confusion and intimidation for voters.
He assured Ghanaians that state security forces are fully prepared to protect voters, ensuring their confidence and safety at polling stations. Political parties and their candidates were also urged to trust the measures in place and refrain from deploying private security operatives.
The warning comes against a backdrop of election-related violence in previous years, often involving vigilante groups acting as private security for political figures.
The task force also met with the Commonwealth Observer Mission, led by former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, reiterating its readiness to uphold peace and security during the elections.
