Election 2024: Dampare warns against ‘machomen’ and impersonation tactics  

The National Election Security Task Force (NESTF) has issued a stern warning to political parties against the use of well-built individuals, popularly known as ‘machomen,’ to intimidate voters during the upcoming general elections on Saturday, December 7.

The Chairman of NESTF, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, who is also the Inspector General of Police (IGP), cautioned political parties during a meeting on December 3 against employing such tactics, including dressing party foot soldiers in state security uniforms to create mayhem at polling stations.  

"This culture of machoism which makes people think that biceps are ways to determine the strength of a person will not be tolerated,” Dr Dampare stated emphatically. “If any of such people is found closer to polling stations, a community, an environment, or a collation centre trying to intimidate the people, we will find a place for that person to sleep.”  

The engagement with political parties was part of a follow-up to a previous meeting held two weeks earlier, aimed at ensuring a transparent and violence-free election.  

Dr Dampare clarified that the NESTF’s approach to de-escalating tensions will be impartial but firm. “We have brought you here to inform you of our plans so that when we begin to act, you (political parties) won’t say that we have taken sides,” he stated.  

The IGP also warned against the practice of outfitting party operatives in security uniforms, describing it as a dangerous tactic meant to confuse and intimidate voters. “This will not be allowed under any circumstances,” he warned.  

Political parties respond

Representatives of the various political parties commended the measures put in place by the NESTF to safeguard the integrity of the elections.  

National Democratic Congress (NDC) General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, assured the task force that the NDC would urge its appointed members to comply fully with the directives of the security agencies.  

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Director of Elections, Evans Nimako echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the NPP’s commitment to following the rules of the electoral process. He, however, raised concerns about the growing trend of misinformation and disinformation, which he urged stakeholders to address.  

The representatives of some parties, including the Convention People’s Party (CPP) and the All People’s Congress (APC), also pledged their cooperation with security personnel deployed to polling centres.