IGP Not the “Sole” Decider on Military Deployment in 2024 Elections – Ghana Information On-line
The assertion under, in my respectful opinion, is problematic in lots of respects. I take it that the assertion originated from the IGP when he met the political events, and that Dr Omane Boamah is just reiterating the reassurance that the IGP gave the political events.
1. It have to be famous that the National Election Security Task Force (NESTF) will not be backed by any legislation in Ghana. It advanced and operates based mostly on understanding amongst safety businesses, political events and different stakeholders. The operation of the NESTF is, subsequently, based mostly purely on understanding and goodwill amongst stakeholders.
2. Against this background, I wish to state unequivocally, that the choice to deploy the army in our election area, is a political one. Even in issues of inner safety, the IGP will not be the only real authority. It’s nonetheless a political determination.
3. This is as a result of although NESTF is operational throughout this election interval, the overall safety of the nation continues to be below the management of National Security Ministry and for that matter, the National safety Council (NSC) chaired by the President per Articles 83 and 84 of the 1992 Constitution and the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 2020, Act 1030.
4. Therefore, the IGP won’t be the “sole” decider on when the army could be deployed.
5. Besides, the IGP works below the Ministry of the Interior and Police Council, and his choices are in the end topic to the approval of NSC, of which the IGP is a member. Therefore, the reference to IGP as “Commander-in-Chief” of NESTF suggesting that he has ultimate authority, in my respectful opinion, is deceptive.
6. Since the deployment of the army is a political determination, such a deployment can happen on the blind facet of the IGP and the NESTF. This was what occurred in 2020 and the then IGP didn’t know something about it. Again, the army was known as to Ejura by the regional minister in his capability as chairman of REGSEC. Similarly, National Security deployed their National SWAT at Ayawaso-West Wuogon (AWW) on the blind facet of the Police. The level I’m making is that the choice to deploy the army is a political one; and that the IGP will not be the “sole” decider.
WAY FORWARD FOR CITIZENS AND OPPOSITION PARTIES
1. NEED TO DEFINE THE CONDITIONS AND PARAMETERS: Judging from the incidents in Ejura, AWW and 2020 elections, it’s clear that the IGP will not be the “sole” decider on when to deploy the army in inner safety issues. What is evident, nonetheless, is that it’s a political determination. Therefore, there may be the necessity for political events and different stakeholders, to request for such blueprint on situation and parameters for such deployments from the NEC or Ministry of National Security.
2. NEED TO DEFINE MILITARY ROLE WHEN DEPLOYED: There’s can also be the necessity to outline the function of the army when deployed. Clear guidelines of engagement or Directives on using pressure have to be spelt out. Certainly, it can’t be ‘beatings’ as spelt out by Lt. Col. Cudjoe lately. When the army are deployed, they’re to play policing roles allowing for the safety of civilians as the last word purpose in implementing the legislation. After all, even in conflict conditions, there are legal guidelines.
3. NEED FOR CITIZENS TO PROTECT THEIR VOTES BY BEING VIGILANT AND RESISTING ANY OPAQUE DEPLOYMENT OF THE MILITARY: Since the choice to deploy army is a political one, it may simply be abused in favour of incumbent authorities as witnessed in AWW, 2020 normal elections, and even Ejura. There’s, subsequently, the necessity for political events particularly opposition events to empower their supporters to be vigilant in defending their votes. This additionally contains massing up in big numbers throughout counting of votes to withstand any opaque and unauthorized deployment of the army or National Security SWAT.
4. RESISTING OFFICERS IN FACE MASKS AND THOSE WITHOUT NAME TAGS OR BOTH: During voting and significantly throughout counting of votes, residents and opposition political celebration representatives have to be daring sufficient to withstand so-called law enforcement officials in face masks or with out names on their uniforms or each. This is as a result of there’s the excessive chance of National Security SWAT groups sporting police uniforms and face masks masquerading as law enforcement officials to trigger mayhem as occurred in AWW.
CONCLUSION: I like the boldness of the IGP in declaring himself as the only real decider on when miitary are deployed throughout this election. But my recommendation to the IGP and Dr. Omane Boamah and opposition events typically, is that issues don’t work out like that in actuality. Vigilance of the political events and the readiness of residents to guard their votes in any respect value, is the way in which to go. THE IGP IS NOT THECOLE DECIDER ON WHEN MILITARYVAR TO BE DEPLOYED IN 2024 ELECTIONS. It is feasible for the army to be deployed on his blind facet therefore the necessity for vigilance.
By ACP Benjamin Agordzo (RTD) PhD
