Ghana Police Arrest 88 Over Unauthorized Polling Station Security Ahead of December Elections
As Ghana gears up for the December 7, 2024, general elections, the Ghana Police Service has arrested 88 individuals suspected of being recruited for unauthorized security duties at polling stations. The group, consisting of 86 men and two women, was intercepted on December 3, 2024, at Benchema near Asawinso in the Western North Region.
The suspects, traveling in two Metro Mass Transit buses, were reportedly recruited from areas in the Greater Accra Region, including Adenta, Oyarifa, and Madina. Preliminary investigations indicate that the individuals were hired by a man identified only as “Sammy” to provide security during the presidential and parliamentary elections.
Currently in police custody, the suspects are assisting with investigations as authorities work to locate the recruiter and uncover the broader network behind the operation.
This incident underscores the warnings of Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Chairman of the National Election Security Taskforce (NESTF). The IGP had previously stated that only state security personnel are authorized to manage election-related security and assured the public of measures to ensure a peaceful voting process.
The police urged voters to disregard such unauthorized security arrangements and to confidently participate in the democratic process, assured of the safety provided by official security forces.
