Deploying 5,500 police officers for 52,000 Akwatia voters raises security weakness – Analyst

A security analyst, Samuel Nana Appiah with the Global Intelligence and Security Centre, has criticised the deployment of 5,500 officers to Akwatia for the by-election.

While acknowledging the large police presence, Appiah expressed concern that it highlights underlying weaknesses in the country’s security systems.

Speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM, he stated that for a constituency with about 52,000 voters, the deployment of 5,500 officers to provide security for the exercise raises serious concerns.

He underscored the need for authorities to address the challenges and put in place measures to prevent elections from generating any form of tension.

“As a country, if we have over 5,500 policemen in a constituency where about 52,000 constituents are going to vote, then it speaks about some weaknesses in the system,” he noted.

He told the news team that the number of officers is sufficient, but their operational effectiveness is the most critical factor.

"If we have more police officers present at a location and yet, people gather the courage to assault others, it would be fruitless. We saw that during the Ablekuma North election rerun,” he explained.