The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has launched a reward system to encourage the public to provide critical information that could prevent disturbances during the upcoming elections.
Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), announced that informants who share valuable information about potential threats to peace could receive cash rewards ranging from GHC1,000 to GHC20,000, depending on the significance of the information. He assured the public that the identity of informants would remain confidential.
“If you find it difficult to bring the information one-on-one, a toll-free number, 0800311311, has been introduced for that purpose,” Dr. Dampare said during a meeting with the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) in Accra. This engagement is part of the ongoing efforts by the Elections Security Taskforce to collaborate with stakeholders on ensuring a peaceful electoral process.
The Elections Security Taskforce, chaired by the IGP, comprises multiple security agencies, including the military, Immigration Service, Prisons Service, Fire Service, and GPS, working together to maintain law and order during the elections. Dr. Dampare encouraged UTAG to advise the Taskforce on operational strategies and use their platforms to promote peace.
Brigadier General K.D. Hagan, who oversees Operations, Training, Communication, and Peacekeeping at the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), addressed public concerns regarding the military’s involvement in election security. He clarified that the police would lead security efforts, with the military stepping in only when necessary.
“Be rest assured that we shall not be there but only at identified flash points or hot spots, and we will not intervene until Police asks us to assist. We are humans as you are, and we will not be there to molest anyone. If things get out of the hands of the Taskforce, we will use small energy to get things done,” Brig. Gen. Hagan assured.
Professor Eliasu Mumuni, the National Secretary for UTAG, commended the Ghana Police Service for the prevailing peace in the country. He also expressed appreciation for the Taskforce’s inclusion of the academic community in discussions about election security and pledged UTAG’s support in advocating for peaceful elections.
