A former Ghanaian Minister of Communications, Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, is advocating for increased transparency and accountability in the upcoming elections.
He specifically calls on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare, to mandate that security personnel refrain from covering their faces at polling stations, a move he believes would deter misconduct and enhance trust in the electoral process.
In an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Face to Face on Channel One TV, Spio-Garbrah expressed concerns over masked and unidentified security officers at polling sites, underscoring that visible identification is essential for public confidence.
He suggested that security officers should wear prominent name tags to ensure accountability.
“People should not come with their faces covered, so I’m hoping that the IGP and other security agencies and other officials will issue instructions that those who will be given responsibility for security work during the elections should not attempt to cover their faces.
“And the ordinary people will have to deal with some of them if they choose to go through that method. Their physical identities should have name tags, big and bold on their chest and even on their back. So that we know your name, if you fire a gun in a place and you are running people should know. These important measures will help to prevent misbehaviour. The security agencies need to be warned.”
Additionally, Mr Spio-Garbrah warned that a future National Democratic Congress (NDC) government would prioritize addressing electoral offences.
“The next NDC government will not take it likely the crimes that may be committed during the electioneering period. The Electoral Commissioner, her staff, and law enforcement agencies are all put on notice. We want a peaceful election in Ghana and we are going to hold everybody accountable.”