Ghana’s military to be on high alert on election day

Ghana’s military will be placed on high alert on December 7 to quell any violence by individuals or groups of persons who may attempt to disrupt the smooth conduct of the 2016 general elections.

General Commanding Officer of the Ghana Armed Forces, Brigadier General C.B. Alhassan, who said this assured Ghanaians the Command is ready to protect the peace in the country, especially as political activities heighten ahead of the polls on December 7. “We as soldiers will stand firm and defend this country no matter what.

We have vowed to ensure that Ghana must remain peaceful before, during, and after the general elections. We cannot and must not allow violence to destroy our country”. He said this at the inauguration of the renovated 4 Infantry Battalion Headquarters and Quarter Guard in Kumasi.

Pockets of violence ahead of Dec. 7

Recent violent clashes between the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress could spark electoral violence in this year’s elections if steps are not taken to avert such occurrences.

The NDC and NPP supporters recently clashed near the residence of NPP presidential candidate, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, during a health walk organised by the NDC on November 13.

Supporters of the two parties also engaged in another clash in the Odododiodoo constituency after separate rallies, and again at Asokore in the Eastern Region Sunday morning after a health walk.

The supporters later engaged in accusations and counter-accusations as to which side ignited the clashes. The National Peace Council has since condemned the clashes which it said could cast a slur on the country’s democracy and must be managed before they escalate.

No room for electoral violence

Speaking at the inauguration, Brigadier General Alhassan assured Ghanaians the military will not give room for the election process to be marred.

The Commanding Officer of the 4 Infantry Battalion Unit, Colonel Fuseini Salifu said the military remains firm and resolute towards working with other security agencies to ensure a violent-free election. “We are ready to partner with other security agencies to maintain the peace in the country.

There will be absolutely no room for machoism in this election”. The 4 Infantry Battalion has rebuilt its headquarters and Quarter Guard to strengthen their security.

The facility has been furnished with wireless internet and modern security gadgets to enhance detection and defeat of infiltrators.

Colonel Fuseini Salifu said there was the urgency to restructure the headquarters from its deteriorating state in order to equip the unit with additional non-human observation asset to strengthen and enhance the effort of their guards.

Inaugurating the facility, the Ashanti Regional minister John Alexander Ackon expressed hope the restructuring will enhance security in region.

He commended the leadership of the unit for the initiative to renovate the buildings. The renovated structures has improved the physical outlook of the unit and enhanced security within the premises.