NDC introduces 'Citizen Police' ahead of December 7 elections

The Eastern Regional branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has launched an initiative called "Citizen Police" in preparation for the upcoming December 7 presidential and parliamentary elections.

This effort, led by Regional Organizer Hackman Kabore, aims to organize and empower citizens across various communities to actively participate in the electoral process and ensure the protection of the people's will.

Hackman Kabore explained to Starr News that the "Citizen Police" initiative is not a revival of vigilantism, which has been banned, but rather a capacity-building effort for individual volunteers in different communities.

"This initiative is grounded in their constitutional right under the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30), Section 12, which encourages citizens to make arrests without a warrant for certain offenses," he added.

Mr. Kabore highlighted that "this act empowers citizens to arrest individuals involved in offenses such as the use of force or violence, stealing, or fraud, including during elections."

The initiative was introduced during a training workshop for Constituency Organizers in the region over the weekend.

These organizers are expected to implement this intervention within the communities, ensuring that electorates understand their rights, protect their votes, and remain resilient against any intimidation by rogue security operatives on voting day.

"The NDC is fully prepared to protect the will of the suffering Ghanaian people yearning for a change of government," stated Hackman Kabore.

He emphasized that for the sake of peace and stability, the security agencies and the Electoral Commission must remain fair and impartial, resisting any manipulation attempts that could subvert the will of the people.

The December 7 presidential election is a significant contest between the current Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), and former President John Dramani Mahama of the opposition NDC.

Dr. Bawumia aims to succeed President Akufo-Addo after his two terms, while Mr. Mahama seeks a comeback after his 2016 defeat by Akufo-Addo.