CSOs, religious leaders commend IGP

A delegation of civil society organizations and religious leaders, under the Civil Initiative Forum (CFI), has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, and the National Election Security Taskforce for their exemplary role in ensuring peace and security during and after Ghana’s 2024 General Elections.

Delegation members meet with police leadership
The delegation, including representatives from the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), the Chief Imam’s office, and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, met with the IGP and his leadership team to discuss post-election challenges and commend their efforts in de-escalating tensions.

CODEO highlights police restraint
Reverend Dr. Fred Digby, Co-Chair of CODEO and leader of the delegation, lauded the Police Service for their calm and measured presence during the elections.
“Their deliberate, non-violent approach prevented further escalation of isolated disturbances,” he remarked, urging citizens to interpret the Police’s strategic restraint as a commitment to stability rather than leniency.

Religious leaders applaud transparency
Dr. Mohamed Marzouk Abubakar Azandoro, representing the Chief Imam, also applauded the Police for their transparency and rationality.
He emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and assured the public that perpetrators of violence would be held accountable.

Role of the Police in De-Escalation
Kojo Asante from CODEO and CDD underscored the Police’s critical role in de-escalating tensions by maintaining order and discouraging acts of lawlessness.
“The constitutional process must be respected, and the Electoral Commission must be allowed the space to complete its work,” he noted, adding that the Police’s restraint has been instrumental in preserving peace.

Catholic Bishops urge responsible media reporting
Reverend Father Michael Kweku of the Catholic Bishops Conference commended the Police for their professionalism and urged Ghanaians to verify information before reacting, stressing the importance of trusting legal and constitutional processes.

Advancing electoral stability
Reverend Dr. Emmanuel Ansah of CFI highlighted the strides made in Ghana’s electoral system, particularly structured transition processes that have fostered a stable democratic environment. He called on the media to report responsibly to counter misinformation and maintain public trust.

Gratitude and a call for continued collaboration
The delegation expressed collective gratitude to Dr. Dampare and the Police Service for their dedication to safeguarding Ghana’s democracy, urging all stakeholders to continue supporting peace-building efforts.

Police commitment to national security
In response, Dr. Dampare reaffirmed the Police Service’s commitment to ensuring a seamless transition and maintaining national security.
The meeting ended on a note of shared determination to uphold Ghana’s democratic principles through collaboration and vigilance.