The Minority in Parliament has decried what it claims are attempts to dilute the 2024 general election security operations, warning it will not countenance such plots.
This comes in response to a statement from the Ghana Police Service distancing itself from remarks made by DCOP Prince Gabriel Waabu, suggesting that the military would not partake in this year’s election security duties.
Member of Parliament for Builsa North, James Agalga, criticized the police’s rebuttal of DCOP Waabu’s comments, arguing that the officer’s statements were grounded in the 1992 Constitution, which assigns the task of election policing primarily to the police service.
According to Agalga, the military should only be involved if deemed necessary and reasonable by the police.
The former Deputy Interior Minister also condemned a decision by the police service to subject DCOP Waabu to disciplinary action for the statement.
He warned against any undue interference by other security agencies in the electoral process, emphasizing the constitutional and legal mandate of the police service in maintaining internal peace and security, including election security management.
“The Police Service Act and the 1992 Constitution clearly delineate the primary role of the police in matters of internal security. We must uphold these principles to ensure the integrity and peaceful conduct of Election 2024,” Agalga stated.
The formation of the national election security task force, with the Inspector General of Police as its chairman and the inclusion of other security services like the Armed Forces, was highlighted as a testament to the collaborative effort in managing election security.
However, Agalga pointed out that the military’s involvement should be a measure of last resort, contingent on an overwhelmed police force and expressly requested by police authorities.
Citing past incidents where military personnel were the first responders, Agalga described such actions as regrettable and urged for a structured security framework that minimizes military engagement in civil policing duties.
“Our security architecture is designed to prioritize police response in maintaining law and order. The military’s primary training does not focus on internal law and order; their involvement should be minimized to avoid potential challenges,” he added.