The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has introduced a reward system aimed at encouraging the public to provide information that could prevent disturbances during the upcoming elections.
Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), announced that individuals who submit useful information regarding threats to peace would be rewarded with cash ranging from GHC1,000 to GHC20,000, depending on the significance of the information.
He reassured the public that the identity of informants would remain confidential.
The IGP made the announcement when he met the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) in Accra, as part of the ongoing efforts by the Elections Security Taskforce to engage various stakeholders to discuss security preparedness for peaceful elections.
The Taskforce, which is chaired by the IGP, includes multiple security agencies, such as the military, Immigration Service, Prisons Service, Fire Service, and GPS, all collaborating to ensure a smooth and secure electoral process.
“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 urged the UTAG to advise the Taskforce in its operational plan for peaceful elections
They should also use their platforms to preach the peace message.
Brigadier General K.D. Hagan, who oversees Operations, Training, Communication, and Peacekeeping at the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), addressed concerns about the military’s involvement in the security for the upcoming elections.
He clarified that while some members of the public were apprehensive about the military’s role, it was the police that would lead the security efforts.
The military, he explained, would only be called upon for reinforcement if necessary.
“Be rest assured that we shall not be there but only at identified flash points or hot spots, and we will not intervene until Police asks us to assist.
“We are humans as you are, and we will not be there to molest anyone.
“If things get out of the hands of the Taskforce, we will use small energy to get things done,” Brig. Gen. Hagan said.
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.
Source: GNA
