The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has issued a stern directive to Ghana Police Service Regional Commanders to rectify “weaknesses” exposed during the recent Ablekuma North rerun election, ahead of the upcoming Akwatia by-election.
Speaking at the Regional Commanders Conference, the Minister acknowledged Ghana’s strong democratic record but stressed that recent events necessitated a critical review of electoral preparedness.
Mohammed-Mubarak charged the commanders to ensure sufficient numbers of police personnel are deployed, adequately briefed and equipped with the needed resources to prevent and contain election-related violence. He highlighted the importance of neutrality, professionalism, and rapid response capability” in line with international best practices.
“Colleagues, the peaceful conduct of elections remains a cornerstone of our democracy. Since 1992, Ghana has earned global acclaim for its relatively peaceful democratic transitions. However, we must admit that the recent rerun of elections in the Ablekuma North Constituency exposed certain weaknesses that must be swiftly addressed.” He affirmed.
“As we prepare for the upcoming by-election in Akwatia, I charge this conference to take a hard look at our electoral preparedness. We must ensure that our personnel are not only deployed in sufficient numbers but are adequately briefed and equipped with the needed resources to prevent and contain election-related violence.”
Crucially, the Minister requested Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno to establish a dedicated Electoral Security Monitoring Task Force specifically for the Akwatia by-election.
He framed this as an opportunity to redeem the lapses of the past and strengthen the legacy of Ghanaian democracy, urging close collaboration with the Electoral Commission, community leaders, and civil society actors.
Story By: Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
