The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on President Akufo-Addo to order the immediate withdrawal of military forces deployed into local communities under the pretext of providing election security.
The NDC in a statement noted that they have observed with utter dismay the ongoing wanton deployment of armed military personnel with armed vehicles, machine guns and snipper weapons into local communities across the country.
According to them, the militarization of the 2024 general election is unconstitutional and unlawful and only serves to intimidate the electorate and their families in their peaceful communities. The party described this as an attempt to subvert the will of the Ghanaian people.
They also indicated that election is not a war because maintenance of law and order is meant for law enforcement agencies, not a war or restoration of law and order mission that would be meant for the military. Article 200(3) of the 1992 constitution clearly states that: “The police service shall be equipped and maintained to perform its traditional role of maintaining law and order”.
“It is noted that in accordance with this constitutional and professional outlook, the election security task force under the chairmanship of the IGP in it’s briefing to the political parties on Thursday, 21 November 2024, at the Headquarters of the Ghana police service indicated that the military will be on call and would deploy only when requested to do so by the IGP as may be required on a case by case basis. One would ask if the ongoing deployment to local communities is at the request of the IGP and which case has necessitated the request even before the elections begin”, part of the statement said.
The NDC urged all supporters to remain vigilant throughout the electioneering period and reiterates its commitment to peaceful, free, fair and transparent election.
The statement dated December 6th was signed by the General Secretary of the Party, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey.