The Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has given assurances that the Ghana Police Service is fully ready to guarantee security before, during and after the New Patriotic Party presidential primaries.
Speaking ahead of the January 31 internal election at a peace pact signing ceremony involving NPP presidential aspirants , the IGP said comprehensive security measures have been rolled out nationwide to ensure a peaceful, transparent and incident-free process for delegates and party officials.
The IGP revealed that the party had officially notified the Police Service weeks earlier, confirming that responsibility for security during the elections had been entrusted exclusively to the Ghana Police Service.
“Some few weeks ago, the NPP party wrote to the police to inform us that the security for the forthcoming presidential elections will be solely handled by the Ghana Police Service,” he said.
“We have done all the necessary planning and deployment to secure the primaries,” Mr. Yohuno stated. “Our officers are prepared to protect lives, property and the integrity of the process.”
According to him, the police have since identified all polling areas and finalized comprehensive operational plans to ensure a smooth and peaceful process.
“We want to assure you that we have been able to identify all the areas where the elections will take place. We have 276 plus one polling centres. We have been able to make our operational plans,” he stated.
The assurance comes amid heightened political activity as several high-profile aspirants campaign across the country, raising concerns among some observers about tensions that could arise during the primaries.
Mr. Yohuno explained that Bawku remains the only location where extra military backing may be necessary, given its peculiar security challenges, adding that the Police Service has formally requested the Minister for the Interior to liaise with the Minister of Defence to secure support from the armed forces for the area.
He noted that across the rest of the country, the military will be placed on standby, while the Ghana Police Service leads security operations at all polling centres.
He further indicated that robust police deployments have been planned, with no fewer than 70 officers assigned to each polling station and senior police commanders deployed nationwide to oversee the exercise.
“We want to assure the public that at least 70 police officers will be present at every polling station. We have made heavy deployments, and senior officers across the country will be on the ground to supervise operations,” he stated.
Security analysts have repeatedly stressed the importance of proactive policing during internal party elections, noting that disputes among supporters can sometimes escalate if not properly managed.
The Police Service has therefore urged party supporters and delegates to conduct themselves peacefully and channel grievances through lawful means.
The NPP primaries will see delegates from across the country vote to elect a flagbearer ahead of the 2028 general elections, with party leaders describing the process as crucial to maintaining unity and democratic values within the party.
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