Professor Agyeman-Duah, co-founder of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has recently weighed in on the role of the military in this year’s elections, offering his insights during an appearance on JoyNews’ Election Morning program.
His comments come amid growing discussions surrounding the involvement of military personnel in the electoral process.
Speaking on the program, Agyeman-Duah praised the efforts of the Electoral Commission, commending their work in ensuring that the election process remains fair and transparent.
He acknowledged that reports from various sources had painted a largely positive picture of the election proceedings so far, with voters participating in a calm and orderly manner.
“The election process has been largely positive,” he said. “From what we’ve seen so far, everything seems to be moving smoothly.”
Despite the optimism, Agyeman-Duah was quick to recognize the potential for isolated incidents that could disrupt the election process.
He noted, “While there is always the possibility of an isolated incident, the overall process has been progressing well. It’s a good sign that things are looking positive, but we must remain vigilant.”
One of the key points of discussion has been the presence of military personnel in various constituencies across the country. While some have raised concerns over the potential for military intimidation, Agyeman-Duah addressed this issue head-on.
He acknowledged that military support may be necessary in certain hotspots where tensions run high or where security may be at risk. However, he emphasized that the military must adhere to strict guidelines and avoid any actions that could intimidate voters or disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections.
“The military’s presence in some areas is understandable, especially in areas where tensions might rise,” Agyeman-Duah explained. “But it is crucial that they conduct themselves in a manner that does not intimidate citizens.
They must work within the boundaries set by the authorities and assist the police without overstepping their role.”
Agyeman-Duah also reiterated the importance of the military abiding by the guidelines established by the army general, ensuring that their actions remain aligned with the broader objective of supporting the police and upholding law and order.
“The guidelines provided to the military will ensure that their conduct supports the police without causing any undue distress or fear among the citizens,” he said.
