The Inspector-General of Police of the Ghana Police Service, David Asante-Apeatu has received praises from the office of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) upon his decision to ensure that all members of the Election Task Force are identified in their traditional uniforms come December 7.
In a press statement signed by the party’s Director of Operations, Lt. Col. (Rtd) Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, the NDC applauded the police department for putting in place such an important measure which they (NDC) believe would help ensure a free and a fair election. The NDC believes that this directive came as a result of the “lessons learnt from the embarrassment the Police Service suffered during the Ayawaso West Wuogon bye-election…”
The NDC said this step, by the Police Department, would help sanitize the security situation, maintain law and order on the election day, and ensure peace.
However, the NDC has tasked the Police Department to also ensure that all members of the Security Task Force on election day have their name tags on their uniforms. “… the NDC is of the view that the announcement on the authorized uniform to be worn on D-Day will be inadequate without ensuring that all Police personnel and others drawn from other security agencies are properly identified with their names displayed on their uniforms,” the statement added.
According to the NDC, the information they’ve gathered says certain persons other than genuine Police officers, some of whom were described as National Security operatives who committed acts of brigandage during the Ayawaso West Wogon bi-election last year will be clothed in such Police uniforms to avoid detection, hence charged the IGP to be on the lookout.
“This normal dressing requirement for all service personnel should be strictly enforced to assuage fears that some Police uniforms being sewn will find its way into the hands of vigilantes/hoodlums recruited by the ruling Party/government to intimidate and suppress voters in opposition strongholds,” the statement further explained.
The NDC finally urge the Inspector General of Police to take serious note of their “legitimate concerns” and act upon them in the interest of public safety and a peaceful election.
