The Minority in Parliament has said inasmuch as it is committed to the peace of the country before, during and after the December 7 polls, its members will not be intimidated in the name of national security during the election.
The Minority wants a fair and impartial state security during the elections.
Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu said this after National Security Minister Albert Kan Dapaah addressed the lawmakers on measures taken by his men to maintain the country’s peace as the elections draw closer.
Mr Iddrisu said: “We will not accept intimidation in the name of national security and we will not accept intimidation in the name of other forces…”
Taking a cue from the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence, Mr Iddrisu suggested that the deployment of police officers be done by the Inspector-General of Police and his men, and “not any other category of men, then we can hold the IGP and his men responsible for what outcomes we see and monitor.”
He said on “December 7, get your men right; we are committed to the peace of the country…” he advised.
The Minority leader said the lawmakers were willing to spearhead the provision of resources for the security services to maintain the peace of the country if they have any financial challenges.
“You’ve not indicated to us whether you have any logistic challenges or any finance challenge as you prepare for the election. This house will want to know, so that if we will have to call for dedicated resources, not what is appropriated, what is available for your men and women to safeguard the peace and security of this country. So, neutrality and impartiality is what we demand from the state security,” Mr Iddrisu noted.
For his part, Mr Kan Dapaah assured Ghanaians that the country’s security agencies were prepared and ready to ensure a violence-free election on December 7 and beyond.
He, however, noted that to maintain the peace of the country, the citizens must help by providing relevant information about any threats to the nation.
Mr Kan Dapaah stated: “The national election security taskforce is ready, they’re ready to provide adequate security against potential electoral violence and all other acts of lawlessness. In the end, Ghana shall emerge victorious.”
He continued: “Despite the politicisation of issues of national security, which, unfortunately, has the potential to undermine efforts of state security agencies, we believe state security actors have remained resolute in ensuring a secured environment for all Ghanaians.
He said “it behoves the ordinary citizen to play their part by providing information to assist in confronting all threats to security in this country,” adding: “Ghanaians must deviate from all forms of divisive and hate speeches, which can endanger the peace and also the security of the country.”