Whether we like it or not, every election in Africa is considered a ‘do or die’ affair. Our politicians move heaven and earth to ensure that either they have re-captured power or maintain it. In so doing, they resort to all manner of tricks and do not care a hoot about the consequences of their actions.
Since Ghana is also on the Continent of Africa and general elections just a few days away, we cannot afford to drop our guard in terms of security. The Chronicle is, therefore, happy with the heavy deployment of security personnel across the country. This will ensure that those plotting to use the elections to cause mayhem would be stopped in their tracks before they execute their wicked agenda.
Unfortunately, the deployment is causing some sort of consternation in parts of the country. Just last week, there were media reports that some chiefs in the Volta Region had protested against the deployment of military men and women to the region. Though these chiefs have every right to express themselves in situations they dislike, we think sometimes, some of the issues are blown out of proportion.
Because the Volta Region is the stronghold of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), every security decision taken by the government is viewed with different lenses. To the NDC, the deployment is meant to intimidate voters from coming out to vote for the party of their choice. But, in the view of The Chronicle, this should not be the situation, because the region is part and parcel of Ghana, and must, therefore, be protected by whichever party is in power.
We are, however, happy that the apprehensions of the people have been assuaged by the pronouncement made by the District Commander of Police for Aflao in the Ketu South Municipality, that the heavy presence of the security forces in the area was not meant to harass any voter on the day of the elections.
A story filed by the Ghana News Agency (GNA), which was published by The Chronicle yesterday, quoted Superintendent Bempah Sarpong, Aflao District Police Commander, as saying that residents Ketu South should go out to cast their ballots on election day without fear of intimidation from security agents.
Launching a “Ballots Without Bullets” campaign in the Municipality, he said people should not entertain any fears, and gave the assurance that the police and other sister security agencies were not deployed to intimidate or prevent the citizens from exercising their franchise, but “are here to protect them.”
“We have made arrangements to prevent violence before, during and after the elections. We met with stakeholders and talked to them about the dos and don’ts, and assured them there won’t be any intimidation from the security.
“We’ve resolved to be professional to ensure a peaceful election. Just as we’re committed to peace in the electioneering period, we’re warning people intending to foment trouble on the day not to try, because we won’t countenance violent activities. We have enough men to ensure security and protection on the day,” the police boss was quoted as saying.
It is our hope that the soothing words of the Police Commander will calm those who are creating fear and panic about the possible harassment of voters on the day of voting. We do not think members of the security forces are animals who will be going round attacking people without any legal basis.
Election is a serious business that also comes with security threats, and those who downplay these threats also end up laughing at the wrong side of their mouths.
The post Editorial: Let us divorce politics from our security matters appeared first on The Chronicle Online.
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