Election 2024: Dampare warns political parties against use of ‘machomen’

The National Election Security Task Force (NESTF) has issued a stern warning to political parties against the use of ‘machomen’ to intimidate voters or the misuse of state security uniforms during the upcoming elections.

During an engagement with political parties on December 3, 2024, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, Chairman of NESTF, cautioned that individuals caught dressing party supporters in state security uniforms would face strict legal consequences.

He emphasised that the Task Force would not tolerate the use of intimidation tactics or the promotion of macho culture, stating, “This culture of machoism, which makes people think that biceps are ways to determine the strength of a person, will not be tolerated.”

Dr. Dampare also assured political parties that the Task Force’s actions would be impartial, stating, “We have brought you here to inform you of our plans so that you won’t say we have taken sides.”

Fiifi Flavi Kwetey, General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), spoke on behalf of his party, affirming their commitment to abide by the Task Force’s directives.

The Director of Elections for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Evans Nimako, also reiterated the NPP’s commitment to adhering to the rules. Representatives from other political parties, including the Convention People’s Party (CPP), expressed their support for the guidelines.