Remove military personnel assigned to EC Chairperson, deputies – Election Watch petitions Defence Minister
Election Watch Ghana, a non-partisan civil society organization, has submitted a formal petition to the Minister of Defence, requesting a review of the assignment of military personnel to the Electoral Commission’s (EC) Chairperson and deputies.
Dated February 14, 2025, the petition argues that “assigning over ten military personnel to the EC leadership is excessive, unnecessary, and an inefficient use of national security resources.”
The group described this arrangement as an “imprudent allocation of military assets,” asserting that it contradicts the principles of democratic governance in Ghana.
The petition highlights Ghana’s history of peaceful electoral processes, emphasizing that previous Electoral Commissions have operated effectively under police protection without the involvement of military forces.
According to the document, co-signed by Jude Balma and Mark Awusi Arkoh both conveners, “the presence of military personnel at Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meetings has created an intimidating environment, suppressing open and meaningful discussions on electoral matters.”
Election Watch Ghana also cited international best practices, noting that the United Nations recommends proportionate security deployment for civilian institutions. The group stressed that in most democratic settings, high-ranking officials such as the EC Chairperson and Deputies are assigned police protection instead of military security.
The petition references Article 125 of the 1992 Constitution, which establishes the Electoral Commission as an independent entity. While the Constitution mandates security for the EC leadership, it does not specify military protection. The document further argues that High Court Judges, who hold a similar status as the EC Chairperson and deputies, are customarily provided with police security rather than military personnel.
Election Watch Ghana has called on the Minister of Defence “to take immediate steps to redeploy the military personnel currently assigned to the EC leadership and to replace them with police officers, in alignment with constitutional provisions and international security protocols.”
The petition concludes by stating that this request is made in the best interest of preserving Ghana’s democratic values. It expresses confidence that the Minister of Defence will give due consideration to the matter and take the necessary action promptly.
Copies of the petition were sent to the Chief of Defense Staff, the Inspector General of Police, the Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, and the National Security Coordinator.
Read full petition here:
Story By Henry Eliud Yankey
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