The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has welcomed the directive by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, which forbids the carrying of firearms at polling stations in the December polls.
The IGP who is the Commander-in-Chief of the elections security task force, has said that ammunition will not be allowed at voting centres, including those carried by security officers.
Also, it is only Dr. Dampare who wields the sole authority to authorise the intervention of the military as a last resort in case of any emergency.
At a meeting between police and representatives from all the political parties Thursday, November 21, 2024, the Director of Elections and IT for the NDC, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, indicated his party’s readiness to comply with the directives of the security agencies.
Dr. Omane Boamah also expressed his outfit’s expectation for a significant support from the security personnel during the special voting on December 02.
“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 task force, 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,” he stated.
Our actions will be impartial and guided by the law – IGP assures political parties
