National Security Coordinator Lt. Col. Larry Gbevlo Lartey (Rtd) has reiterated a proposal for a new security structure to ensure better oversight over security concerns during the December polls.
Currently, Regional and District Security Councils, chaired by regional ministers and district chief executives, have been charged with the responsibility of ensuring security during the polls.
However, Col. Gbevlo Lartey (Rtd) is worried about a possible conflict of interest situation arising because some regional ministers and district chief executives are also contesting elections.
To deal with this, the National Security Coordinator is insisting an earlier proposal for the Electoral Commissioner to chair Elections Security Committees, should be implemented.
Gbevlo-Lartey assured that all the security agencies will be on high alert before, during and after the December 7 elections because nothing could be taken for granted.
Speaking on Tuesday at a public forum on election security ahead of the December elections, Lt. Col. Gbevlo-Lartey also assured the EC that the security was ready to assist in carrying out a very successful and peaceful election from the district, regional to national levels.
“The Electoral Commissioner will decide the what and we [security] will decide the how. We’re doing anything to ensure we have a successful election,” he assured.
He said national security had to be “pre-emptive” before they are taken by any surprise during this crucial test of Ghana’s democracy, and has liaised with the Electoral Commission of Ghana to ensure the existing peace prevails after the polls.
Speaking on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Director of Operations, Commissioner Patrick Timbilla said as the lead agency in providing security during elections, the Police Service had already put in place election security teams across the country.
COP Timbilla urged all agencies playing various roles in the elections to prepare adequately to ensure peace and security before, during and after the elections.
Source: GhanaWeb
