Military to be deployed as EC resumes re-collation of results

The National Election Security Task Force has confirmed the deployment of military personnel to assist the police in maintaining security at collation centres as the Electoral Commission (EC) prepares to resume the collation of results for the outstanding constituencies from the December 7 elections.

The move comes in response to criticisms from the EC, which accused the task force of failing to provide adequate security during the earlier stages of the collation process. This, the EC noted, had resulted in the abrupt suspension of the exercise.

Addressing the media on Friday, December 20, the Director of Public Affairs for the Ghana Police Service and spokesperson for the election security task force, ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, emphasized the importance of maintaining order at the collation centres.

She urged political actors to refrain from inciting their supporters to converge at these locations, warning that such actions could escalate tensions and undermine the integrity of the process.

ACP Ansah-Akrofi assured the public that the joint police-military deployment would ensure a secure environment for the EC to complete the collation exercise without further disruptions.

She also called on all stakeholders to cooperate with security personnel and uphold the principles of peace and democracy.

“The Task Force assured the Electoral Commission of its readiness to provide the needed security for the outstanding collisions. In addition, the Commission reminded the Task Force that during the collation, only individuals accredited by the Commission should be allowed access to the collation centres. In this regard, there will be a joint police and military deployment for the exercise.

“We wish to caution the public that non-accredited persons will not be permitted at the centres. Also, the Task Force would like to urge the political parties to refrain from inciting their supporters to mass up at the coalition centres to disrupt the process.

“We wish to state that throughout the election period, including this post-election phase, the National Election Security Task Force has put Ghana first. We have put the peace and security of the country first, and we will continue to do so,” she stated.