The Police Planning Officer at the UN Mission Support for Justice Reform, ACP Dr. Benjamin Agordzo, has urged that the National Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) be excluded from participating in Ghana’s 2024 general elections.
He characterized the unit as “illegitimate” and superfluous.
During the Peace Through Democracy forum hosted by the GIMPA Law Students Association on Wednesday, Dr. Agordzo expressed his concerns regarding the legality and purpose of the SWAT unit within the National Security framework.
“As stated in the Constitution, aside from the Ghana Police Service, no other police service should be established unless by an Act of Parliament,” he asserted.
“Where did the National SWAT originate? Who authorized its creation, and under which Act of Parliament?”
He labeled the unit’s existence as a breach of constitutional law and contended that its involvement in elections threatens both peace and credibility.
Dr. Agordzo recalled the contentious actions of SWAT during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, which was overshadowed by violence.
The by-election, which took place on January 31, 2019, was tainted by a shooting incident at the residence of Mr. Kwasi Delali Brempong, the NDC candidate, leading to injuries for 18 individuals. An observer at one of the polling stations also faced assault.
“Ayawaso West Wuogon remains vivid in our memories,” he remarked.
“If we genuinely desire peace, we must advocate against the deployment of the National SWAT,” Dr. Agordzo emphasized.
He articulated that the responsibility for election security should rest solely with the police, with additional support from specially trained personnel when necessary.
READ ALSO: NPP Press Conference on Alleged Election Rigging in the 2024 Elections
“The training and orientation of the National SWAT are biased towards serving a specific regime,” he indicated, cautioning that their participation could compromise the impartiality of election security measures.
Dr. Agordzo suggested alternative approaches, such as bolstering the capabilities of the police and collaborating with stakeholders early in the electoral process.
He also emphasized the importance of clearly differentiating strategies for by-elections and general elections.
“We cannot afford to concentrate security forces in a single constituency during national elections,” he stated.
The senior police officer reiterated the importance of inclusivity in planning for election security.
“Civil society organizations and think tanks ought to be included in the National Election Security Task Force,” he contended. He believed this would promote transparency and ensure that a wide range of viewpoints are taken into account.
In his closing statements, Dr. Agordzo urged officials to refrain from deploying military personnel at polling stations.
“Techiman South is still vivid in our memories,” he warned. “We can conduct this election peacefully without the presence of military officers.”
Source: myjoyonline.com