Dr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante, Director of Policy Engagement and Partnerships at the Center for Democratic Development Ghana (CDD-Ghana), has expressed deep concern over the absence of accountability within the state security apparatus, warning that it poses a significant threat to peace and discipline ahead of the 2024 elections.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, November 30, Dr. Asante highlighted the failure to hold security personnel accountable for misconduct as a critical barrier to building public trust and ensuring a peaceful electoral process.
He pointed to unresolved incidents from the 2020 elections, where security forces were implicated in acts of violence that resulted in injuries and fatalities.
“Accountability is essential for maintaining peace and discipline. When violations by security personnel go unchecked, it sends a dangerous signal that the sector operates above the law, which undermines the rule of law and trust in the system,” Dr. Asante stated.
He criticized successive governments for their reluctance to enforce accountability within the security sector, arguing that this erosion of discipline compromises the effectiveness of command structures and damages public confidence.
Dr. Asante called for stricter measures to hold security officers accountable, asserting that such actions are necessary to deter misconduct and safeguard the electoral process.
He also raised concerns about the military’s role in the upcoming elections, emphasizing the importance of transparency and clear communication to avoid public anxiety.
Citing past instances where the military’s presence at collation centers caused unease, Dr. Asante urged the Electoral Commission (EC) and the Election Security Task Force to define and communicate the military’s responsibilities clearly.
“While assurances have been given that the military will not be stationed at polling centers, their involvement at collation centers in previous elections has raised valid concerns. If they are to participate, their role must be explicitly outlined and shared with the public to prevent confusion and anxiety,” he explained.
He stressed the need for clear and transparent security protocols at polling stations and collation centers to promote calm and reduce tensions.
Reflecting on lessons from the 2020 elections, Dr. Asante underscored the urgency of addressing unresolved security challenges. He urged the Election Security Task Force to provide detailed plans and guidelines to reassure the public and ensure a smooth electoral process.
“Clarity on security arrangements, especially regarding the military’s role, is crucial. Without it, we risk creating unnecessary tensions that could disrupt the elections,” he warned.
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