The need for a free, fair, and peaceful election was the central theme of a panel discussion during the Reflections on Security Symposium, organised by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), in Accra.
Rev. Dr Fred Deegbe, Co-Chair of the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), expressed concerns about election irregularities, including money influencing voters, distribution of T-shirts and other minor malpractices.
However, he stressed the importance of election observers reporting on irregularities, to ensure that voters freely exercise their franchise.
The Acting Head of the Electoral Assistance Division at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mr Serigne Mamadou Ka, said the sub regional body has an important role of promoting credible elections.
He said that ECOWAS put in place long-term and short-term election observation missions, to assess preparedness, prevent conflicts and offer recommendations to stakeholders.
According to Mr Ka, “post-election follow-ups were conducted to ensure that countries implement these recommendations.”
He called for the strengthening of ECOWAS protocols to increase resources for comprehensive observation missions, enhance conflict prevention mechanisms and improve coordination among member states.
Mr Ka emphasized the importance of empowering ECOWAS to enforce recommendations and prevent election-related conflicts in West Africa.
The Director of Operations at the Ghana Police Headquarters, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Al-Meyao Abass Kwarasey, said the National Election Security Task Force was working hard to ensure peaceful elections.
He said that the taskforce, led by the Inspector General of Police, has been actively engaging political parties and the public to promote calm and understanding.
These engagements, he said, include meetings with party leaders, outreach in churches and mosques, and public education about the importance of peaceful elections.
ACP Kwarasey underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and stakeholder cooperation in maintaining peace.
He urged political parties, citizens, and other stakeholders to work together to safeguard the integrity of the election process, adding that the task force aims to create an environment where voters can cast their ballots without fear or intimidation.
The panellists collectively agreed on the importance of transparent election observation, conflict prevention, and active engagement with stakeholders to promote peace and credibility.
With Ghana preparing for a crucial election, the symposium reinforced the need for all actors to uphold the values of democracy and ensure that the voice of the people is respected.
Major General Richard Addo-Gyane, Commandant of KAIPTC, emphasized the risk of violence, fraud allegations, and rising tensions as the 2024 Election, describing these as significant security challenges.
He warned about the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation, which could mislead the public and undermine Ghana’s democratic stability.
Major General Addo-Gyane called for strengthened collaboration within the security sector, to protect the country’s constitutional and democratic gains.
He recommended sharing of best practices and strategies among neighbouring countries and ECOWAS, towards peaceful elections and counter misinformation.
Major General Addo-Gyane also suggested coordinated election monitoring, enhanced cross-border security collaboration, and leveraging regional conflict resolution mechanisms, to prevent tensions from escalating.
BY AGNES OPOKU
SARPONG