Military will not deploy to polling stations - GAF reiterates

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has clarified its role in the security arrangements for the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections, emphasising that no military personnel will be stationed at a polling station. 

Instead, it said the Ghana Police Service (GPS) will take the lead in election security operations, with the GAF on standby to provide support only if specifically requested by the police.

This approach underlines the collaborative efforts between the two security agencies to ensure a smooth and peaceful election process. 

Statement 

The GAF in a press statement released on December 1, 2024 and signed by the Director General of Public Relations, Brigadier General Eric Aggrey-Quashie, assured the public that the protocol was designed to uphold the integrity of the elections while maintaining law and order.

The statement further urged the public to report any individuals claiming to be military personnel or wearing military-patterned attire at polling stations to the nearest police station or through the GPS toll-free numbers (18555 or 0800 311 311) for appropriate action.

He assured the public that the GAF's role would be limited to providing standby support, with the primary responsibility for election security assigned to the Ghana Police Service (GPS).

"The military will only be deployed upon request by the GPS. This collaborative approach ensures that the elections proceed smoothly and peacefully while maintaining law and order," he stated.

He emphasised that such reports would enable appropriate action to be taken against unauthorised individuals, thereby safeguarding security and the integrity of the electoral process.

"GAF wishes to encourage all Ghanaians to exercise their civic rights responsibly, cooperate with security personnel and refrain from any acts that could disrupt the peace," he added.