President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has told all Ghanaians to cooperate with the Electoral Commission (EC) and the security agencies to ensure an incident-free election.
Apart from cooperating with the security agencies and the commission, he also urged Ghanaians to exhibit tolerance while they cast their ballot on Saturday, December 7 to elect a new President and Members of Parliament.
The president reminded Ghanaians that Ghana is known to be the beacon of democracy on the African continent, an attribute he said must be protected.
In his address to the nation on Friday, December 6, Mr Akufo-Addo said “The flame of freedom needs to be protected and constantly refuelled.
“Ghana is known to be the beacon of democracy on the African continent, we should be justly proud of this and do everything we can to protect this.”
He added that “cooperate with the Electoral Commission and the security agencies. Cast your ballot in peace and dignity, tolerance and mutual respect. We have a reputation to maintain as a nation of peaceful elections.”
As part of measures to ensure the integrity of the December 7 General Elections The Minister of the Interior Henry Quartey has ordered the temporary closure of all land borders.
This temporary closure is with immediate effect and ends at 6:00pm on Sunday, 8th December 2024, the statement added.
“The Ministry urges all citizens, and travellers to and from Ghana, to cooperate with State Security Agencies enforcing this directive,” it said.
Ghanaians go to the polls on Saturday, December 7 to elect a new president and Members of Parliament.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) commenced the deployment of personnel in support of the Ghana Police Service for the election activities.
This information is contained in a press release dated December 7 and signed by the Director-General of Public Relations of the GAF, Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie.
“The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) wishes to inform the public that the deployment of its personnel to designated locations in support of the Ghana Police Service for the peaceful conduct of the upcoming 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections is ongoing,” the press release stated.
The GAF urged the public “not to be apprehensive if they see the movement of military personnel in their localities. GAF wishes to reiterate that no military personnel will be stationed at any polling station. GAF’s presence will be limited to standby support, with the primary responsibility for election security remaining with the Ghana Police Service (GPS).”
Brigadier General Aggrey-Quashie emphasized that “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.”
The GAF encouraged “all Ghanaians to exercise their civic rights responsibly, cooperate with security personnel, and refrain from any acts that could disrupt the peace.”
“GAF reiterates its commitment to safeguarding the stability and sovereignty of the nation whilst protecting the integrity of the electoral process,” the press release concluded.
