The Ghana Police Service has reassured residents of Akwatia and its surrounding communities that their massive deployment of personnel ahead of the upcoming by-election is purely to protect lives and ensure peace, not to create fear or intimidate voters.
Addressing the media during a community engagement exercise on Monday, ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Director of Public Affairs of the Ghana Police Service, urged residents to go about their normal activities without panic. She stressed that the police presence in Akwatia was to provide safety and security for all citizens, particularly during the by-election.
“As we’ve informed you, the Ghana Police Service has deployed massively to Akwatia and our objective is to ensure that the election proceeds smoothly and we have a peaceful by-election,” she explained. “We are here to ensure the security of every person in Akwatia, including every person who will go out on the election day to vote.”
She emphasized that police officers on the ground were carrying out their duties to safeguard law and order. According to her, every vehicle, patrol team, and officer stationed in the constituency was there to serve the community.
“Our men are on the ground, adequate vehicles have been deployed, our mobile patrol teams are on, and the Black Maria is also available. We want to assure everyone that these deployments are for your protection. So, when you see us in town, remember we are here because of you, we are here because of your safety, and we are here because of your security,” she stated.
ACP Ansah-Akrofi also issued a strong caution to individuals or groups who might attempt to disturb the peace before, during, or after the by-election. She warned that the service was fully prepared to act swiftly against lawbreakers.
“We also want to throw a word of caution to those who want to foment trouble that we are prepared for you and we will deal with you according to the law,” she declared firmly.
The police, she noted, are not only stationed at voting centers but are also carrying out regular patrols, intelligence gathering, and community interactions to build trust and confidence among the electorate. She said the ongoing community assurance program was designed to send a clear message that the police stand for safety, fairness, and neutrality in the electoral process.
“People are speculating that some residents may be afraid of the deployment, but we want everybody to know that the police stand for protection, we stand for safety, and we stand for everybody’s security. So feel free, be reassured that whenever you see any police officer, know that they are there for you in particular,” she reiterated.
The Ghana Police Service has in recent times intensified security measures across the country in the build-up to elections, with Akwatia being no exception due to its history of tense political contests. The Service says its priority is to prevent violence, protect voters, and ensure that the will of the people is expressed without intimidation.
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As Akwatia heads into a crucial by-election, the police have called on all stakeholders including political parties, candidates, and supporters to cooperate with security agencies and put the peace of the constituency above partisan interests.
The Ghana Police Service has further urged the public to report any suspicious activity, intimidation, or incidents of violence to law enforcement authorities for immediate action.
“We are here to protect lives and properties, and we will continue to remain professional, impartial, and firm in ensuring that Akwatia enjoys peace before, during, and after the polls,” ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi assured.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
