Ghana Decides: Security concerns mount as election day nears conclusion
By Joyce Kpeglo
With less than an hour remaining in Ghana’s electoral process, multiple incidents of violence and security breaches have raised serious concerns about voter safety and election credibility. Allegations of misconduct by individuals in military uniforms have further fueled tensions at polling stations.
Resident Attacked by Alleged Soldiers in Obuasi East
A viral video shows individuals dressed in military uniforms assaulting a resident at a polling station in the Obuasi East Constituency. The man reportedly confronted the group, attempting to prevent their entry into the polling station, and demanded they leave.
“Hey, stop the video,” one of the alleged soldiers is heard saying in a viral video pointing threateningly at those filming.
As tensions escalated, the confrontation turned violent, with two of the armed men physically attacking the resident. Onlookers shouted, “Take the guns away,” as some tried to assist the victim.
The altercation allegedly ended with an open fire, and the victim, who was injured, is said to be receiving medical treatment.
Tensions Escalate at University of Ghana Polling Station
Another incident, captured in a video shared by Multimedia’s Election Headquarters, highlights unrest at Union Hall polling station at the University of Ghana. Alleged military personnel were seen intervening and harassing voters, sparking demands for their withdrawal.
“If you do not want to be videoed, leave here,” one voter stated.
Another voter interviewed stated that “The most annoying thing is the military is not supposed to be here.” He went on to claim the disruptions began with suspicions of fake ballot printing. “Someone went in there to take a video of what was happening, then the alleged military harassed the person and took their phone. It does not make sense,” the voter said.
The individual questioned the military’s involvement, saying, “What I want to know is, who sent them here? The military has nothing to do here. There is nothing here that demands their intervention.”
Violence and Allegations Across Polling Stations
In the Odododiodio Constituency, a male voter sustained a head injury during a scuffle over a ballot paper.
Also at Odupongkpehe D/A Primary polling station, confusion erupted following allegations that an NPP security agent was collecting voter ID cards.
Meanwhile, at Ankwa Dobro in Nsawam-Adoagyiri, voters voiced frustration over the absence of police officers.
GHOne reported agitation among the electorate, with one voter stating, “Since dawn, we have been here, but there has not been any police officer.”
An altercation nearly broke out when a man, who was not a police officer, stood at the gate of the polling station. Another voter confronted him, saying, “You are not a police officer. Why would you go and stand in front of the gate?”
Shooting Incident Reported in Awutu Senya
A shooting incident was reported in Awutu Senya, Central Region, where one Mujaheed Suraj alias Mims opened fire. The Ghana Police Service announced that an intelligence-led investigation is underway.
“We ask Ghanaians to have faith in us, and wherever he has gone, we will surely get him arrested,” the police assured in a just ended media address.
Police and Military Roles Under Scrutiny
The Ghana Police Service have an established a task force to oversee election security, with a known directive that military personnel could only intervene upon formal request from the police, signed by the IGP. However, eyewitness accounts and video evidence suggest violations of these protocols.
Though it remains unconfirmed whether the individuals in military uniforms are actual Ghanaian military personnel, prior directives emphasize that wearing military attire or similar uniforms without authorization is punishable by law.
The series of incidents has drawn criticism of the police task force, with many suggesting a failure to maintain order and peace at polling stations.
As tensions escalate, calls for improved oversight and accountability from security agencies grow louder, ensuring the safety of voters and the integrity of the electoral process.
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