NPP Raises Alarm Over Impostors in Police Uniforms Ahead of Akwatia By-Election
As Ghana heads to the ballot box on Tuesday, September 2, the New Patriotic Party ( NPP ) has issued a stark warning of an alleged plot to disrupt the Akwatia by-election through the deployment of impostors disguised as police officers.
NPP Sounds Alarm Ahead of Akwatia By-Election
On Sunday, August 31, the NPP National Youth Organizer, Salam Mustapha revealed on Channel One TV that the party has gathered intelligence suggesting individuals from both the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions may attempt to impersonate police officers on election day. Their purported aim? To carry out unlawful acts under the guise of law enforcement.
According to Salam Mustapha, “Security is not merely about men in uniform. He has reasons to put out some of the information they are picking up and believe the police should act upon; that certain hoodlums from Greater Accra and Ashanti are preparing to wear police uniforms and undertake illegal operations. This came to their attention, and are drawing the police’s attention to it.”
In response, the NPP has urged the Ghana Police Service to enforce clear identification standards for all officers deployed; visible name tags and uniforms unmistakably tied to the police force. Mustapha warned:
>“Any masked officer we encounter on Tuesday will not be regarded as a professional or legitimate police officer.”
Editorial View Akwatia By-Election
Police presence is critical for peaceful elections, however impersonators can skew perception and intimidate voters.
Thus, visible identifications like name tags and recognizable uniforms will helps voters and election officials verify true law enforcement personnel.
The Ghana Police Service must act swiftly, conducting identity vitrification and ensuring only authorized officers are present.
In addition, communication with the public about safety measures could help maintain trust and deter potential impersonators.
To conclude, other political stakeholders should remain alert and coordinate with security agencies to preserve electoral integrity.
