A security consultant, Paul Boateng, has urged political parties to refrain from interfering in the work of security agencies, stressing that such interference contributes to electoral violence and weakens Ghana’s democratic process.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey on Wednesday, July 23, Mr. Boateng noted that political influence, particularly from ruling governments, undermines the independence of security agencies, especially the police.
“But the point and the problem in this country is that even though the security agencies are mandated to enforce law and order, they are not fully independent, and the Constitution says so,” he stated.
“If you look at the structure of the Ghana Police Council, even the promotion of officers and the appointment of the IGP clearly shows they are susceptible to the ruling government and it happens both NDC and then during the previous regime, we saw it.”
He pointed out that partisan control has eroded public trust in the security system, prompting political parties to resort to vigilante groups during elections.
“If we are able to get free and fair elections or the process that we all envisage We should allow the institutions to work but I’m afraid our case is different our case is different. So that’s the reason the political parties have the vigilante groups, it’s because of this. They don’t trust the system, especially when they are in opposition,” he said.
“It’s time for us to trust the heads of institutions, and then those who are mandated to enforce the law and protect us. Other than that, this thing will continue unabated.”
Mr. Boateng’s comments come amid growing tensions between supporters of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), with both sides trading accusations following violence during the recent Ablekuma North by-election.
The NPP claims the NDC orchestrated the violence that marred the rerun and contributed to their victory, prompting some NPP supporters to threaten retaliation in the upcoming Akwatia by-election.
Meanwhile, security agencies have assured the public of firm measures to maintain peace and order during the polls.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
