Germany, KAIPTC partner to train law enforcement agencies for December 7 elections

The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) and the German government are collaborating to roll out an Electoral Violence Security (EVS) Course for security personnel across the country.

The aim is to contribute to peaceful and safe presidential and parliamentary elections in Ghana in December.

The German government’s support to Ghana’s elections stems from its commitment to promote peace and security in Ghana, West Africa and the continent, a statement issued by the KAIPTC said.

“Whiles elections have become indispensable to strengthening democracy, it is usually beset with violence that threatens the peace, security and stability of a nation.

“ The incidences of violence occur throughout the electoral cycle but is usually very pronounced during the pre-electoral and electoral phases, ranging from threats, assault, vandalism of materials to hate speech,” it said.

Against the backdrop of fears of recurrent election-related violence, the two partners hope the training would equip the law enforcement agencies to ensure a safe, secure and violence-free elections.

“The German Government is thus partnering KAIPTC to deliver the EVS course, which aims at equipping law enforcement agencies with the knowledge, competencies and skills to prevent, manage and deal with potential or perceived electoral violence situations with professionalism.

“The course also aims to protect electoral law and the individual right to vote,” it said.

The training will be held in Accra, Kumasi and Tamale for selected personnel from the Ghana Police Service, The Ghana Armed Forces, The Ghana Immigration Service, The Customs Division, and The Ghana Prisons and Fire Services.