Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, the ex-Minister of Communications in Ghana, has requested improved transparency and accountability procedures for the next elections. He specifically recommends the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare has announced a new policy to prevent security personnel from hiding their faces while working at polling stations.
During an interview on Face to Face on Channel One TV with Umaru Sanda Amadu, Spio-Garbrah explained that this measure aims to reduce potential misconduct and enhance the credibility of the electoral process by ensuring officers do not wear face coverings.
Spio-Garbrah raised concerns about the presence of masked and unidentified security personnel at polling sites, stressing the importance of visible identification to maintain public trust in security procedures during elections.
He also recommended that security staff wear name tags to ensure accountability and display their identities.
Spio-Garbrah stated, “People should not cover their faces. Therefore, I hope that the IGP and other security agencies will instruct security personnel not to hide their identities while on duty during the elections. If they choose to do so, ordinary citizens may have to confront them.”
Their physical identities must possess name tags, prominently displayed on their chest and back. In order for people to identify you, it is important that they know your name if you discharge a firearm in a public area while fleeing. These crucial steps will aid in averting misbehavior.
The security agencies must be alerted. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah stated that the upcoming National Democratic Congress administration will focus on addressing electoral violations. The next NDC government will not overlook any crimes that could occur during the election season. The Electoral Commissioner, her team, and law enforcement authorities are all alerted. We aim for a peaceful election in Ghana, and we will ensure accountability for all.
