Mahama slams Police’s decision to dissociate itself from DCOP Waabu’s comments on election security

Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama has moved to the defence of DCOP Gabriel Prince Waabu concerning comments on the role of the police in election security made on Joy News.

He finds it strange that the police administration dissociated itself from the comment.

The Police Service dissociated itself from the senior officer's public comment that election security is sole responsibility of the police and will not involve the police in the 2024 polls.

"If we must have Peaceful election we must have security services that is neutral. That is why I find strange the police's disassociation from the statement by one of their own about the role of the military in election and I think he was right. The primary responsibility for election is that of the Ghana Police Service”, John Mahama said.

He spoke at an event to mark the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission Centenary of Islamic revival in Ghana.

The press release from the Ghana Police Service described the comments of DCOP Gabriel Prince Waabu as unfortunate.

The statement the senior officer made on a panel discussion on Joy News is further described as unfounded and didn't represent the position of the police.

The police further maintained that per the National Election Security Architecture, the service works with other security services to police elections.

But the former President has insisted the position of the police officer who is being subjected to internal disciplinary measures is the fact.

Mr. Mahama explains other security agencies are only involved in election security due to the inadequate number of police personnel.

“The Ghana Police Service is responsible for the taskforce that make sure the elections are peaceful and they invite their sister security services to participate. And so if somebody says election security is the baby of the police service it's true. It is their primary responsibility", he stated.

Mr. Mahama further advocates for justice in curtailing electoral violence making reference to incidents at Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency, among others.