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Ghana: We will not tolerate intimidation and violence at polling stations – IGP

Posted on by Josh L
Ghana: We will not tolerate intimidation and violence at polling stations – IGP

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has warned those planning to intimidate voters during the upcoming elections that they will be arrested and punished under the law.

According to him, anyone found guilty of exhibiting aggressive masculinity with the aim of instilling fear and panic among voters will be immediately arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Dr. Dampare made the call at a meeting of the National Electoral Security Task Force (NESTF) with political parties in Accra yesterday to discuss ways to ensure a peaceful election on December 7.

The IGP stressed that the security agencies in the country would “maintain zero tolerance” for any behavior that disturbs the peace and security of the electoral process.

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“We will not tolerate intimidation or violence near polling stations. If you try to intimidate others, we will find you and accept you. We will make sure that every Ghanaian feels safe while voting,” he said.

He called on all stakeholders to put the security of the country first and refrain from actions that could disrupt the peace of the country during the December 7 elections.

The IGP also cautioned against the use of uniforms resembling those of security personnel, saying it was not acceptable during elections.

The IGP, therefore, told those who impersonated security personnel during the election that they would be arrested and punished according to the law if caught.

In addition, he emphasized that only state security agencies are authorized to provide security during the elections, so the public should be wary of people posing as security personnel.

“It’s a matter of zero tolerance when it comes to people who want to present themselves in a way that makes them look like one of us,” he said.

The IGP also stressed the importance of transparent reporting by the media to prevent the spread of “disinformation and misinformation”, especially with elections just around the corner.

He urged the media to work closely with the police to provide “accurate and reliable information” to the public during the election.

On his part, the Director of Research and Elections of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Evans Nimako, commended the security agencies, the media and officials of the Electoral Commission (EC) for their role in the December 2, 2024 special vote.