‘Security personnel must be prepared to maintain peace in Election 2024’

WITH only 54 days left until Ghana’s 2024 elections, the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has underscored the importance of adequately preparing security personnel to maintain peace throughout the electoral process.

The Centre emphasized the need for rigorous training to prevent and manage any potential election-related violence. This was highlighted during the Election Violence Security Course for law enforcement officers, organized by KAIPTC.

The Director of Training at KAIPTC, Colonel Anorph Barnabas Akanbong, spoke at the event, urging security officers to be prepared for their critical role in ensuring peaceful elections.

“Our security officers must be well-trained to handle potential threats and maintain peace before, during, and after the elections,” Colonel Akanbong noted, stressing the gravity of the task ahead.

The Center’s efforts are crucial as tensions often rise around election periods, and thorough preparation of law enforcement can help mitigate risks of unrest.

In addition to focusing on security personnel, KAIPTC has called on voters to familiarize themselves with election regulations to maintain peace at polling stations.

Addressing law enforcement officers during the training course, ACP Evelyn Edem Agbitor, the Director of the Exercise, emphasized the importance of strict adherence to electoral rules to avoid conflict on voting day.

There are laws pertaining to elections, and even the security services are not allowed to carry weapons at polling stations. Voters must understand their role “come with their voter ID, cast their ballot, and leave the station peacefully. This will ease the pressure on law enforcement,” ACP Agbitor explained.

The reminder comes at a critical time when law enforcement agencies are finalizing preparations for the elections. KAIPTC’s training programs, alongside voter awareness efforts, are seen as key to ensuring a peaceful electoral process.

With the police serving as the lead organization in managing security during elections, the Centre’s commitment to equipping them with the right skills is pivotal for a smooth and peaceful 2024 election. By preparing both security personnel and the electorate, KAIPTC is taking comprehensive steps toward safeguarding peace during this critical time in Ghana’s democratic journey.