Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has expressed confidence in Ghana’s readiness to conduct peaceful elections in 2024, with the police at the core of the nation’s election security task force.
Addressing the 53rd Cadet Officers’ graduation ceremony at the Police Academy in Accra on Wednesday, Dr. Bawumia assured Ghanaians that, like previous elections, the upcoming general election would be peaceful, highlighting the police force’s professionalism and discipline as essential to maintaining order.
“With the police at the center of our election security task force, we are confident of a successful 2024 general election,” he said.
430 New Officers Join Ranks as ASP
In a formal commissioning, Dr. Bawumia, who serves as Chairman of the Police Council, welcomed 430 newly graduated cadet officers — 125 females and 305 males — into the Ghana Police Service as Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP).
He emphasized the critical values of professionalism, lawfulness, and accountability in their roles, especially with the election season approaching.
Dr. Bawumia also commended the Ghana Police Service for its restraint and professionalism amid recent provocations from demonstrators, remarking that the force’s commitment to maintaining high standards would help set the tone for a peaceful electoral process.
Call for support from citizens and political actors
The Vice President urged Ghanaians and political figures to support the police in their mission to uphold law and order, both during and after the elections.
“It is the duty of all of us to ensure that we have credible, peaceful, free, and fair elections on December 7,” he stressed.
Outstanding graduates honoured for excellence
The ceremony also celebrated exceptional graduates who demonstrated remarkable skill and commitment during the six-month training program.
ASP Mr. Issah Achirburi was awarded the title of overall best cadet officer, while ASP Panporror Kunsoryiriey was recognized as best in basic fitness, and ASP Lenord Asare earned the title of best marksman.
Other notable awards included ASP Dorcas Brenyah receiving the Commandant’s Special Award, ASP Prince Kaar Dammer excelling in drill, and ASP Mabel Tachieh Wadieh standing out in field mission planning and analysis. Additionally, ASP Haruna Dauda was honored as the best in criminal investigation, and ASP Anamfo Bright Justice was acknowledged for his exemplary leadership.
Ceremonial parade attracts distinguished guests
The smartly uniformed officers displayed precision drills at the event, attended by high-ranking officials, including Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, Inspector General of Police, and several retired officers, family members, and traditional leaders.
Distinguished guests included former Chief Justice Mrs. Theodora Woode, Minister for the Interior Mr. Henry Quartey, and Greater Accra Regional Minister Mr. Titus Glover.
With these new officers and the commitment of the entire police force, Dr. Bawumia expressed optimism that the 2024 elections would further reinforce Ghana’s legacy of peaceful democratic processes.
