The Ghana Police Service has disclosed that a total of 62,794 security personnel have been deployed to ensure the security and safety of Ghanaians during the December polls.
The security personnel are from the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Fire Service, the Armed Forces and other security agencies
He said this at a press conference held to inform the general public on security measures instituted towards success in the December elections.
According to the Inspector-General of Police, James Oppong-Boanuh the security personnel will be deployed to polling centers across the country for the December polls.
He indicated that the move is to help maintain law and order and ensure a peaceful election on December 7.
Briefing the media on the preparedness of the Police towards the election, the Inspector General of Police, James Oppong-Boanuh, said the service is well-equipped for the task ahead.
He warned the general public to eschew acts that will create violence before, during and after the elections.
“Sixty two thousand seven hundred and ninety four security (6,794) personnel from the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Fire Service, the Ghana Prisons Service,the Ghana immigrant service, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Ghana Armed Forces will be deployed for the elections.
“All personnel will be in their regular uniform with the exception of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Ghana Police will remain invisible,” he announced.
He also added that for easy identification a special armlet will be worn by security agents on duty.
He further revealed that they have identified about six thousand, one hundred and seventy eight flashpoints nationwide and has assured Ghanaians that security will be beefed up in those areas to avoid and prevent any acts of violence
“We have identified six thousand, one hundred and seventy eight flashpoints nationwide. The flashpoints were decided on various factors such as incidents from previous elections, this year’s voters registration exercise, high crime rate and other factors.
“As a result, our approach with these areas will be slightly different. Rampant patrols and standby forces may be visible to prevent any mishap from happening,” he stated.
Mr. Opong-Boanuh cautioned political parties and party supporters against moving from one polling station to the other with the intention of monitoring the polls.
He said such acts over the years have resulted in disturbances which ultimately disrupt the electoral process.
The IGP announced that the Police Service will create Joint Operation centers at all National, Regional and District Levels on the day of the election to monitor activities on the ground.
He disclosed there will be avenues created at those centers for the media, bloggers and commentators to verify their findings before they publish them.
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