Ghana Armed Forces reassure neutral role in upcoming elections
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has moved to calm nerves ahead of the December 7 general elections, emphasizing its limited and neutral role in the polls.
In a bid to address concerns about potential military deployment to polling stations, Brigadier General Kweku Dankwa Hagan, head of operations, training, and peacekeeping at the Armed Forces headquarters, reassured the public that the military will not be stationed at polling stations.
“We are mindful of the fact that some section of the population is apprehensive of military personnel taking part in the election,” Brigadier General Hagan said during an engagement with the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG).
“I want to clarify that we shall not be there. Our involvement will be strictly in support of the police and only when requested.”
The GAF’s reassurance comes as a welcome relief to many who have expressed apprehension about the military’s role in the elections.
The police service has been designated as the primary agency responsible for maintaining law and order during the polls, and the military’s role will be limited to providing support when necessary.
According to Brigadier General Hagan, the GAF has identified over 1,000 flashpoints and possible hostile areas, and personnel will be deployed to these areas to provide support to the police.
However, he emphasized that the military will not intervene in any situation without a request from the police service.
“The election is primarily being handled by the Ghana Police Service and other security services under the Ministry of the Interior,” Brigadier General Hagan said. “You will not see military personnel like me at a polling station. We will not intervene in anything until the police service has a request or asks us to assist.”
The GAF’s reassurance is expected to boost public confidence in the security arrangements for the elections.
The emphasis on a support role only and the commitment to peace and order are seen as positive steps towards ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.