Defence Minister Dr. Edward  Omane Boamah said Thursday that the military will not be deployed in the Ablekuma North Constituency, where the Electoral Commission is conducting a rerun of parliamentary elections across 19 polling stations.

In a statement published on his official Facebook page, Dr. Boamah sought to quell public concerns about potential security tensions, emphasizing that the Ghana Police Service will take full responsibility for safeguarding the electoral process.

“There will be no military deployment,” Dr. Boamah stated unequivocally—repeating the phrase three times in his post to underline the government’s commitment to avoiding the kind of intimidation and violence that has marred past elections.

Citing incidents such as the 2019 Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, which was marred by violence, and the deaths of eight civilians during the 2020 general elections, the minister said the administration is determined to prioritize civilian safety and democratic integrity.

“Let’s learn from past experiences… and prioritise citizen safety and security,” Dr. Boamah wrote, adding that the government remains committed to ensuring “a peaceful and democratic process.”

The minister also expressed full confidence in the police, saying they are well-equipped and trained to handle electoral security. “We trust them to do their job,” he said.

Dr. Boamah ended his statement with a call for calm and voter participation, tying the rerun election to broader political stakes. “Let’s keep the peace and make our voices heard as John Dramani Mahama resets Ghana and creates more opportunities for Ghanaians,” he said, referencing the former president and current opposition leader.

The rerun in Ablekuma North follows a dispute over irregularities in the initial vote, prompting the Electoral Commission to schedule fresh balloting in selected polling centers.

Source:TheDotNews