Election Watch Ghana Opposes Military Protection for EC Boss.

 

Accra, Ghana – February 18, 2025 – Election Watch Ghana, a non-partisan civil society organization, has submitted a formal petition to the Minister of Defence, requesting a review of the military protection assigned to the Chairperson and Deputies of the Electoral Commission (EC).

Dated February 14, 2025, the petition argues that the deployment of over ten military personnel to the EC leadership is excessive, unnecessary, and an inefficient use of national security resources. The group described this arrangement as an “imprudent allocation of military assets” that contradicts the principles of democratic governance in Ghana.

The petition, co-signed by Jude Balma and Mark Awusi Arkoh, both conveners of Election Watch Ghana, highlights concerns over the presence of military personnel at Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meetings. According to the group, this has created an intimidating environment that suppresses open and meaningful discussions on electoral matters.

Election Watch Ghana emphasized that previous Electoral Commissions have operated effectively under police protection without military involvement, noting that Ghana has a history of peaceful electoral processes.

Citing international best practices, the petition notes that the United Nations recommends proportionate security deployment for civilian institutions. In most democratic countries, high-ranking officials like the EC Chairperson and Deputies are assigned police protection instead of military security.

The group also referenced Article 125 of the 1992 Constitution, which establishes the Electoral Commission as an independent entity. While the Constitution mandates security for EC leadership, it does not specify military protection. The petition further compares the security arrangements of High Court Judges, who, despite holding a status similar to the EC Chairperson, are traditionally provided with police security rather than military personnel.

Election Watch Ghana has called on the Minister of Defence to redeploy the military personnel currently assigned to the EC leadership and replace them with police officers in line with constitutional provisions and international security protocols.

The petition concludes that this request is made in the best interest of preserving Ghana’s democratic values. The group expressed confidence that the Minister of Defence will consider the matter and take necessary action promptly.

Copies Sent to Key Government Officials

To ensure broad engagement on the issue, copies of the petition were sent to:
• The Chief of Defence Staff
• The Inspector General of Police
• The Chief of Staff at the Office of the President
• The National Security Coordinator

As Ghana prepares for upcoming electoral activities, the concerns raised by Election Watch Ghana highlight ongoing discussions about the appropriate level of security for the Electoral Commission’s leadership. The government’s response to this petition is expected to shape future policies on election-related security in the country.