NDC backs IGP’s ‘no guns at polling station’ directive

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed satisfaction with the directive from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) that no firearms will be permitted at polling stations during the 2024 general elections, including those carried by security personnel.

The IGP, as the Commander-in-Chief of the elections security task force, will have sole authority to authorise any military intervention, which will be considered only as a last resort.

Speaking after a police briefing with representatives from all political parties on security preparations for the upcoming elections, Edward Omane Boamah, the NDC’s Director of Elections and IT, reiterated the party’s commitment to working with security agencies.

He added that the NDC anticipates significant support from security personnel during the special voting on December 2.

“We are glad to know that the security agencies are saying there should be no firearms at the polling stations. That is very good and we are also gladdened to know that the military will be a last resort and because the Inspector General of Police is the head of the elections security taskforce, it is only he who can order a military intervention.

“I want to emphasize this because the IGP is the Commander-in-Chief of the elections security taskforce, it is only he who can authorise a military intervention in this elections and what that does is, it places the responsibility for a military incursion on the IGP and no other person.”