In the wake of recurring election-related violence and security lapses, Lieutenant Colonel Martin Dziedzorm Dey, a seasoned security architect and columnist, has called for a paradigm shift in how the Ghana Police Service approaches crowd management during elections. His insights, shared during an interview with the Ghana News Agency, shed light on the critical gaps in current practices and offer a roadmap for a more effective security strategy.
The Problem: Ineffectiveness of Large-Scale Deployments
For years, the Ghana Police Service has relied heavily on deploying large numbers of personnel to deter election-related violence. However, Lt Col Dey argues that this tactic has consistently failed to achieve its intended purpose. Instead of mitigating tensions, these deployments often allow voters and onlookers to come into direct contact with sensitive areas such as polling stations, ballot boxes, and Electoral Commission officials. This proximity not only jeopardizes the integrity of the election process but also leaves security personnel vulnerable to attacks.
Describing this practice as "out of the norm," Lt Col Dey emphasized that such arrangements compromise the ability of law enforcement to maintain order and safeguard election infrastructure. The recurring incidents of ballot box snatching, violent clashes, and even loss of lives on election days underscore the urgent need for a more strategic approach.
A Strategic Framework for Election Security
Lt Col Dey advocates for a comprehensive overhaul of crowd-control measures, starting with physical barriers to segment polling stations. This would channel voters in an orderly manner and regulate entry and exit points, ensuring smoother operations and minimizing opportunities for disruptions.
At the core of his recommendations is a two-layer security perimeter system:
1. Inner Perimeter:
This layer would secure the immediate vicinity of polling stations, including officials and ballot boxes, within a 30-meter radius. It would be manned by unarmed personnel to minimize intimidation, while undercover armed officers would provide backup support. Lt Col Dey also called for a reassessment of the standard operating procedure that prohibits weapons near ballot boxes, citing evolving threat dynamics that necessitate more adaptive measures.
2. Outer Perimeter:
Beyond the inner perimeter, a strong cordon of crowd-control specialists would be stationed 80–100 meters away. This team would focus on protection intelligence, detecting rising tensions, and preventing surges toward polling stations. Their role would be crucial in intercepting potential threats before they escalate into violence.
Moving Beyond Numbers: The Need for Strategic Policing
Lt Col Dey urged the Ghana Police Service to abandon the "false sense of security" associated with large-scale deployments and adopt a more nuanced approach. "The mantra of thuggery — beating people, stealing ballot boxes, and endangering lives — must come to an end," he stated emphatically. He stressed that effective crowd control is not about sheer numbers but about strategic planning and execution.
By implementing these measures, Lt Col Dey believes Ghana can put an end to the recurring scenes of chaos that have marred its elections. Such reforms would not only safeguard lives but also enhance public trust in the electoral process.
A Call to Action
As political parties gear up for a by-election in Akwatia following the death of the area's Member of Parliament, Lt Col Dey's recommendations come at a critical juncture. The stakes are high, and so is the opportunity to set a new precedent for election security in Ghana.
It is imperative for stakeholders — from law enforcement agencies to political parties and civil society organizations — to collaborate in adopting these strategic measures. By prioritizing effective crowd management and proactive threat detection, Ghana can ensure that its elections are conducted peacefully and transparently.
The time for change is now. Election security must evolve to meet the challenges of today’s dynamic threat environment, ensuring that democracy thrives without fear or violence.
-GNA
Curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
