The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has warned persons planning to intimidate voters during the upcoming elections that they will be arrested and prosecuted.


According to him, anyone found guilty of displaying aggressive masculinity to cause fear and panic among voters would be immediately arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.


Dr. Dampare yesterday made the appeal during the National Election Security Taskforce (NESTF) meeting with political parties in Accra to discuss ways to ensure peaceful elections on December 7.


The IGP stressed that security agencies in the country would “maintain zero tolerance” for any behavior that would disrupt the peace and security of the electoral process.


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“We will not tolerate intimidation or violence near polling stations. If you try to intimidate others, we will find you and catch you. We will ensure that every Ghanaian feels safe while voting,” he said.


He urged all stakeholders to prioritize the country’s security during the December 7 elections and refrain from actions that could disrupt peace in the country.


The IGP also warned against the use of uniforms similar to those of security personnel, stating that it was unacceptable during the election period.


The IGP has therefore advised persons posing as security personnel during the elections that they would be arrested and dealt with according to law if caught.


Moreover, he stressed that only state security agencies were authorized to provide security during the elections, hence the public should be cautious of people posing as security personnel.


“It is a matter of zero tolerance when it comes to people who want to present themselves in a way that gives them the impression that they are one of us,” he said.


The IGP also stressed the importance of transparent media reporting to prevent the spread of “misinformation and disinformation,” especially as elections approach.


He urged the media to work closely with police to ensure that “accurate and reliable information” was disseminated to the public during the elections.


On his part, the Director of Research and Elections of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Evans Nimako, commended the security agencies, media and Electoral Commission (EC) officials for their role in the December 2, 2024 special vote.