The Ghana Armed Forces will take a standby role in the December 7 elections, providing support to civilian security agencies only if situations escalate, Colonel Gyadu Emmanuel has stated.
Speaking during a joint security walk in Koforidua on Saturday to showcase readiness for the elections, Colonel Gyadu, Director of Operations at the Army Headquarters, clarified that the Ghana Police Service would be the primary authority overseeing election security.
He emphasized that the military’s role would only be activated under strict protocols when police efforts are insufficient.
“For many Ghanaians, the question has been, are soldiers going to be there? The military is not going to take part directly. We are going to be on standby. The Ghana Police Service is the first line of response, and they are capable of dealing with any threats we have envisaged. Until then, we will remain in our barracks and Forward Operating Bases,” Colonel Gyadu explained.
He outlined procedures for military intervention, noting that any deployment would require official requests from police commanders, documented approvals, and adherence to established protocols.
“When the situation gets out of the hands of the police, they will call us through a well-established channel. No soldier can act independently. Upon arrival, the Police Commander must brief us, sign the necessary paperwork, and only then will we act, using minimum force to restore order,” he stressed.
Coordinated Security Efforts
Eastern Regional Police Commander DCOP Twumasi-Ankrah, heading the regional Election Security Taskforce, assured the public of comprehensive measures for peaceful elections. He urged personnel to maintain professionalism throughout the process.
Eastern Regional Immigration Commanding Officer DCO1 Faisal Disu encouraged security agencies to strictly follow standard procedures and swiftly request reinforcements if necessary.
Eastern Regional Minister Seth Acheampong also appealed for responsible behavior from political actors, referencing recent misinformation about election materials at the regional police headquarters as an example of the mischief to avoid.
The collaborative security strategy underscores Ghana’s commitment to ensuring a safe and peaceful electoral process.