How Ghana can prevent electoral violence and security breaches

As Ghana continues to consolidate its democratic credentials, the persistent emergence of violence, impersonation, intimidation, and procedural breaches during elections—like those witnessed during the Ablekuma North re-run—raises urgent concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. To uphold democracy and ensure public trust in the system, it is imperative that Ghana takes decisive, structured, and long-term steps to curb election-related atrocities across the country.

Enforce a Transparent and Non-Partisan Security Architecture

One of the recurring issues during elections in Ghana is the unauthorised presence of individuals posing as security personnel at polling stations. The recent arrest of suspected impostors in brown uniforms near the Awoshie DVLA polling station is a clear indication that electoral violence often begins with security gaps.

To address this, the Ghana Police Service, in collaboration with the Electoral Commission (EC), must establish a transparent accreditation system for all security personnel deployed during elections. Their presence must be documented, their uniforms standardised, and their movements strictly monitored. Any deviation must trigger automatic suspension and investigation.

Further, election security must be removed from the shadow of partisanship. Political interference in security deployments undermines public confidence and increases the risk of abuse. The state must empower independent oversight bodies to audit security operations during every election cycle.

Deploy Real-Time Monitoring and Surveillance Systems

Technology remains underutilised in Ghana’s electoral security framework. To deter misconduct and provide real-time evidence when infractions occur, the Electoral Commission must invest in surveillance infrastructure. This includes installing CCTV cameras at high-risk polling stations, equipping roving police teams with body cams, and building a central command system to receive live feeds from polling centres.

Real-time digital monitoring will not only prevent violent confrontations but will also serve as forensic evidence to aid in post-election investigations and prosecutions.

Institute Swift and Independent Prosecutions

Electoral crimes are only meaningful when there are consequences. Too often, perpetrators of ballot box snatching, voter suppression, and assault during elections go unpunished. Ghana must set up a special electoral offences tribunal under the Judicial Service to handle all cases of electoral violence, impersonation, and misconduct swiftly and without political interference.

These tribunals must operate with strict timelines and deliver judgments before the close of the electoral year to reinforce a culture of deterrence.

Strengthen Civic Education and Community Policing

Many of the electoral conflicts that erupt—especially in rural or peri-urban areas—stem from limited understanding of electoral rights, procedures, and protocols. The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) must be resourced and decentralised further to engage communities with voter education, legal awareness, and peace campaigns.

In addition, community policing initiatives should be expanded and embedded within electoral hotspots. These officers, drawn from and trained within the communities they serve, often command greater trust and can preemptively defuse tensions before they escalate.

Hold Political Parties Accountable for Their Agents

Political parties must also take responsibility for the actions of their agents and supporters. The EC, in collaboration with the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), should adopt a binding code of conduct with punitive clauses. Political parties whose members engage in electoral violence or impersonation must face stiff penalties, including disqualification from affected polling stations or financial sanctions.

Moreover, candidates who instigate or shield violent operatives must be publicly named and subjected to legal action. Ghana cannot continue to reward political impunity with silence or compromise.

Invest in Data-Driven Risk Mapping

The EC, the Ghana Police Service, and civil society organisations must develop and maintain a national electoral risk map. Using data from past elections, conflict-prone zones can be identified, studied, and specially prepared for in each electoral cycle. Early warning systems, community dialogue platforms, and peace committees must be deployed ahead of time to mitigate risk.

Conclusion: Democracy Must Be Defended

Elections are the heartbeat of democracy, but when stained with violence and chaos, they become tools of oppression rather than expression. Ghana’s electoral progress has come too far to be undermined by impersonators, partisanship, or weak accountability systems.

To secure the ballot and protect the will of the people, Ghana must act decisively—through systemic reform, real-time security, civic engagement, and fearless prosecution. It is not just about winning votes; it is about preserving peace, trust, and national dignity.