National Security wants EC to provide security structural design for 2012 elections
Lt. Col. Gbevelo-Lartey (Retired), National Security Agency (NSA), has called on the Electoral commission (EC) to provide them with the security structural design for ensuring peaceful 2012 elections.
He said the outline would inform them on mechanizing towards ensuring peace before, during and after elections 2012.
Mr. Gbevelo-Lartey assured that the NSA would be professional and dedicated in the enforcement of all electoral statutes outlined by the Electoral Commission in accordance with the Constitution.
He made the call at a colloquium on ensuring peace for elections in Ghana on Tuesday in Accra.
The forum, which was initiated by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), was on the theme: “Preserving National Security in Elections 2012 and Beyond”.
The forum was aimed at providing a platform for security agencies and stakeholders of election 2012 to outline plans they had put in place towards ensuring peaceful 2012 elections.
Mr. Ahmed Sulley, Deputy Chairman, Finance and Administration, Electoral Commission, said the Commission expected proper security for all printing houses who would be printing electoral materials.
He said that “the strong rooms of these printing houses should be placed under twenty four hour security by the security agencies.”
Mr. Sulley said the security agencies must ensure that anybody entering these printing houses must be scrutinized.
“The security agencies are expected to provide escort for the movements of all electoral materials,” he added.
Mr. Sulley entreated the security agencies to make sure there was no sale of alcoholic beverages within 500 meters from the polling stations.
He said there should be no form of vote canvassing at polling stations, adding that fifty meters from the voting area was a no-go area for all after exercising one’s franchise.
Brigadier General Daniel Kwame Mishio, Director General Joint Operations, Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), said preparations towards elections 2012 started immediately after 2008 election by examining the flaws and successes of GAF contributions toward the election.
“Before the elections GAF would support the Police to provide secure environment for smooth campaigns, prepare to assist the EC to transport/distribute electoral materials, and commence training at all military garrisons,” he said.
Mr. Mishio indicated that during the elections, GAF would deploy personnel to all boarder posts to avoid external interferences in the electoral process. The personnel will also escort and protect electoral officers and materials and liaise with all stakeholders towards peaceful elections and beyond.
“After the elections, GAF would continue to assist in maintaining law and order, monitor post election activities, respond to breaches that undermine peace and stability and ensure security of election materials, ballot boxes and declared results,” he added.
Mr. Mishio said GAF was adequately prepared for the 2012 elections.
Patrick Timbila, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Greater Accra Regional Police Commander, said the Police Service had put in place various mechanisms to guarantee professionalism and dedication in performing their constitutional duties towards a peaceful 2012 election and beyond.
He called on all stakeholders of peace to come on board to ensure a peaceful election 2012 and beyond.
Source: GNA