The Central Region’s Assin North by-election is coming up soon, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has recently ordered all bodyguards of Members of Parliament (MPs) and other state officials to turn in their guns.
The purpose of this order, which was released less than 24 hours before Tuesday’s elections, is to guarantee a secure and peaceful voting process.
Following a high-level meeting on Monday between the leadership of the Ghana Police Service, political parties, and the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC), the IGP issued the directive.
The IGP instructed the bodyguards of MPs and state officials to turn in their guns to either the closest police station within the Assin North Constituency or the Police Election Command Center at Assin Breku as a consequence of the meeting’s discussion of security arrangements for the approaching by-election.
The IGP emphasized the significance of this instruction by declaring that the firearms will only be given back to the bodyguards after the election and only in response to specific instructions.
Additionally, he gave the bodyguards instructions not to bring their side weapons, such as handguns, to polling places and collation facilities.
The IGP also issued a warning that anyone who disobeyed this order would face consequences.
This precaution attempts to ensure a peaceful and impartial election process by averting any potential violence or security threats during the by-election.
Due to the disqualification of the sitting Member of Parliament, Mr. James Gyakye Quayson, over claims of dual citizenship, the Assin North by-election has received a lot of attention.
This decision by the Cape Coast High Court necessitated the by-election, and various political parties are competing for the vacant seat.
The IGP’s directive to disarm all bodyguards is a proactive step toward maintaining public safety and fostering a peaceful electoral environment.
The police, in collaboration with the Electoral Commission and political parties, are working together to ensure the successful execution of the Assin North by-election.
Source: Richard Obeng Bediako ll Metrotvonline.com ll Ghana
