The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has announced its operational plans for the 2024 general elections, scheduled for December 7.
The military will focus on maintaining security at over 1,000 high-risk areas identified as potential hotspots for disturbances.
However, GAF personnel will not be stationed at polling stations, according to Brigadier General Kweku Dankwa Hagan, the head of operations, training, and peacekeeping.
Speaking to the media, Brigadier General Hagan clarified that the Ghana Police Service will oversee election security at polling stations, with military intervention limited to instances where police require support.
He further assured the public that GAF’s presence would uphold impartiality and professionalism, aiming to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
“We are mindful of the fact that some sections of the population are apprehensive of military personnel taking part in the election. I want to clarify that the election is primarily being handled by the Ghana Police Service and other security services under the Ministry of Interior.
“They are the people you will be seeing at over 40,000 polling stations. You will not see military personnel like me at a polling station.
“So please be rest assured that we shall not be there. However, we have identified with the police service and the Electoral Commission about more than 1,000 flashpoints and possible hostile areas, and we are going to have personnel there.
“We will not intervene in anything until the police service has a request or asks us to assist,” he said.
He highlighted that comprehensive security plans are in place to protect the integrity of the electoral process and ensure the safety of voters, reaffirming the GAF’s commitment to impartiality and professionalism.
He emphasized that the military’s primary role is to support peace and stability throughout the election period.
Concerns have been raised over the involvement of military personnel in the upcoming December elections.
Security analysts have warned that deploying armed forces or national security operatives to polling stations could create an atmosphere of intimidation, potentially discouraging voter participation.
The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has also urged the government to respect the distinct roles of each security agency to prevent unnecessary tension.
He stressed the importance of maintaining the Electoral Commission’s (EC)neutrality, as this is crucial for fostering public trust and ensuring voter confidence.
Mahama also reassured the public, encouraging everyone to participate in the elections with confidence.
“No weapons should be allowed near polling stations or collation centers,” Mahama insisted. He reiterated, “Election security falls under the Ghana Police Service, led by the Inspector General of Police. Therefore, no military or armed national security operatives should be deployed to polling stations or collation centers,” he added.