Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Ghana’s former Minister of Communications, has called for enhanced transparency and accountability measures for the upcoming elections.
He specifically urges the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare, to prohibit security personnel from concealing their faces while on duty at polling stations.
In an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Face to Face on Channel One TV, Spio-Garbrah emphasized that preventing officers from wearing face coverings would help deter potential misconduct and strengthen the credibility of the electoral process.
Expressing concerns about the presence of masked individuals and unidentified security officers at polling locations, Spio-Garbrah noted that visible identification is essential to maintaining public trust in security protocols on election day.
He further suggested that security personnel should wear name tags, ensuring that their identities are displayed for 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.”
Ekwow Spio-Garbrah added that the next National Democratic Congress government will prioritize tackling 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.”