The Security and Intelligence, Defence and Interior Committees of Parliament have revealed that the government has outlined robust security measures aimed at curbing electoral violence, particularly ahead of the upcoming Akwatia by-election.
This assurance was given during a closed-door meeting between members of the Defence and Interior, and Security and Intelligence Committees of Parliament, and the Ministers for Defence and Interior, along with the Inspector General of Police.
The meeting was convened in response to the recent disturbances that marred the Ablekuma North parliamentary election rerun.
Addressing journalists after the in-camera session, Chairperson of the Security and Intelligence Committee, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, emphasised that the government’s proposed interventions are focused on de-escalating tensions and preventing future violence.
“These are measures that are put in place, hopefully, should help to reduce the tensions around future elections. Certainly, this is not going to be a one-off incident where we will have to go to the polls, and we must ensure that we learn from this incident and make sure they don’t recur,” she stated.
Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committee, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, urged citizens to avoid engaging in electoral violence to uphold the country’s democracy
“We don’t intend to abandon our democracy anytime, and therefore we do not want situations where ballot boxes will be put at polling stations in the future and citizens will be afraid to go and vote,” he stated.
In addition to electoral security, the leadership of both committees announced that security arrangements have also been reinforced to de-escalate long-standing tensions in Bawku.
“We have been reassured of measures that are put in place to contain the situation and to restore law and order,” Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings stated.
