The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has organized Reflections on Security Symposium to emphasized on the importance of free, fair, and peaceful elections which has dominated discussions in Accra.
Rev. Dr. Fred Deegbe, Co-Chair of the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), highlighted persistent election irregularities, such as voter inducements through cash and merchandise.
He stressed the vital role of election observers in identifying and reporting such malpractices to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
Serigne Mamadou Ka, Acting Head of the Electoral Assistance Division at ECOWAS, emphasized the sub-regional body’s commitment to credible elections.
He outlined ECOWAS’s use of long- and short-term observation missions to assess electoral preparedness, prevent conflicts, and provide actionable recommendations.
“Post-election follow-ups ensure that countries implement these recommendations,” Mr. Ka noted, while calling for enhanced ECOWAS protocols to boost resources for observation missions, strengthen conflict prevention strategies, and improve member state coordination.
He also underscored the need to empower ECOWAS to enforce recommendations and mitigate election-related conflicts across West Africa.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Al-Meyao Abass Kwarasey, Director of Operations at the Ghana Police Headquarters, assured participants of the National Election Security Task Force’s proactive efforts to maintain peace during Ghana’s upcoming elections.
Led by the Inspector General of Police, the National Election Security Taskforce (NESTF) has been engaging political parties, religious organizations, and the public through outreach programs to promote understanding and calm.
ACP Kwarasey emphasized the importance of intelligence gathering and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure voter safety and prevent intimidation.
The panelists unanimously stressed the need for transparent election observation, conflict prevention, and active stakeholder engagement.
As Ghana approaches a pivotal election, the symposium reinforced the shared responsibility of all actors to uphold democratic values and protect the electorate’s voice.
Major General Richard Addo-Gyane, Commandant of KAIPTC, raised concerns over potential election-related security threats, including fraud allegations, rising tensions, and misinformation.
He described these as critical risks to Ghana’s democratic stability.
He called for a united effort within the security sector to safeguard the nation’s constitutional gains, recommending the sharing of best practices and collaboration with neighboring countries and ECOWAS.
Major General Addo-Gyane also advocated for coordinated election monitoring, enhanced cross-border security efforts, and the use of regional conflict resolution mechanisms to preempt escalating tensions.
The symposium served as a rallying call for strengthened partnerships and strategic actions to ensure Ghana’s 2024 elections are peaceful, credible, and reflective of the people’s will.
