To encourage the public to contribute information that could help avoid disruptions during the approaching elections, the Ghana Police Service (GPS) has implemented an incentive scheme.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare declared that those who provide valuable information on threats to peace will receive rewards of GHC1,000 to GHC20,000, contingent on the importance of the information.
He assured the public that informants’ identities would be kept private.
As part of the Elections Security Taskforce’s continued efforts to engage various stakeholders to discuss security readiness for peaceful elections, the IGP made the declaration during a meeting with the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) in Accra.
“If you find it difficult to bring the information one-on-one, a toll-free number, 0800311311, has been introduced for that purpose,” Dr. Dampare said.
He asked that the Taskforce’s operational plan for peaceful elections include advice from the UTAG.
They ought to spread the word about peace using their platforms as well.
Concerns regarding the military’s role in election security were addressed by Brigadier General K.D. Hagan, who is in charge of Operations, Training, Communication, and Peacekeeping for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
He explained that although some citizens were concerned about the military’s involvement, the police would be in charge of security measures.
He clarified that reinforcements from the military would only be requested if absolutely required.
Professor Eliasu Mumuni, the National Secretary for the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), praised the police for the peace currently enjoyed in the country and expressed appreciation to the Elections Security Taskforce for involving the academic community in discussions about election security.
He assured the Taskforce that UTAG would ramp up its advocacy efforts to promote peaceful elections.
