The Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno says the Ghana Police Service is fully prepared to provide security for the New Patriotic Party’s upcoming presidential primaries.
Speaking at a peace pact signing ceremony with NPP presidential aspirants, Yohuno said the party formally notified the police weeks ago that security for the elections would be handled solely by the 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.
Yohuno said police have identified all polling areas and finalized operational plans to ensure a smooth 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 said.
He added that regional commanders have been engaged to coordinate security arrangements. “We have met all our regional commanders who are responsible for these areas where these elections will take place. We have gone over all the preparations over and over and are ready to go to the field,” Yohuno said.
The IGP noted that the only area where military support may be required is Bawku, citing its unique security situation. He said the police have written to the interior minister to engage the defense minister for assistance there. In all other parts of the country, the military will remain on standby while police take the lead.
Yohuno said at least 70 police officers will be deployed to each polling station, with senior officers nationwide supervising operations. “We assure you that at least 70 is the least number of police officers will be at each polling station. We have deployed heavily. All senior officers countrywide are going to be at the police station,” he said.
He outlined a layered security strategy, including inner, middle and outer deployment, with the outer ring heavily reinforced. “We have the inner deployment, the middle deployment, and then the outer deployment. The outer deployment is heavily loaded,” he said.
Yohuno said the service has conducted extensive training and preparation, and commanders across the country are confident in their readiness. “I want to assure you that we have done a lot of training and preparation and that my regional commanders have called me and said that they are even ready for the election today,” he said.
The peace pact signing is part of efforts by the NPP to promote peaceful internal elections and strengthen unity as the party prepares for the 2028 general election.
