The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has welcomed a directive from Ghana’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) prohibiting firearms at polling stations during the 2024 general elections. The policy extends to security personnel, who will also be barred from carrying weapons in these areas.

The IGP, serving as the Commander-in-Chief of the elections security task force, will have exclusive authority to call for military intervention, which will only be considered as a last resort.

Following a police briefing with representatives of political parties on security arrangements, NDC’s Director of Elections and IT, Edward Omane Boamah, expressed the party’s satisfaction with the measures. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between political parties and security agencies to ensure peaceful elections.

“We are pleased with the decision to ban firearms at polling stations,” Mr. Boamah said. “It is reassuring that the military will only be deployed as a last resort and that such decisions rest solely with the IGP, who heads the elections security task force.”

The NDC also anticipates strong cooperation with security personnel during the special voting process scheduled for 2 December.

Mr. Boamah emphasised that placing responsibility for any military intervention solely on the IGP ensures accountability and underscores the importance of maintaining a peaceful electoral process.

Source:TheDotNews