2024 Elections: Specialized Training for Security Personnel Launched by KAIPTC in Ghana

ACCRA: A specialized training course on Election Violence and Security has commenced for personnel from various security agencies ahead of Ghana's 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections. According to Ghana News Agency, the two-week course, organized by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), is designed to enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies in preventing and managing potential electoral violence. The training involves two cohorts comprising 82 security personnel from the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Customs, National Intelligence Bureau, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Armed Forces, and Ghana Prisons Service. With support from the German Government, the program aims to strengthen the skills necessary for handling electoral security across Ghana's regions. This initiative marks the last in a series of similar training held in Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale. Major General Richard Addo Gyane, Commandant of KAIPTC, emphasized the critical role of security officers in ensuring peace before, during, and after elections. "The mandate to ensure peaceful elections rests on us as security officers," stated Maj Gen Gyane, whose speech was delivered on his behalf by Colonel Anorph Barnabas Akanbong, Director of Training at KAIPTC. He highlighted the importance of being prepared as the country heads to the polls and the usual tensions that accompany elections in democracies. Participants are encouraged to apply the knowledge gained to ensure the success of the electoral process. The Commandant also expressed gratitude towards the German government for their pivotal support in making the training possible, which significantly contributes to maintaining peace and security in Ghana. Assistant Commissioner of Police Edem Evelyn Agbitor, the Course Director, mentioned that the Ghana Police Service, being the lead agency in electoral security, would play a central role with support from other security agencies. "As the country prepares for the 2024 elections, s ecurity agencies will intensify efforts to prevent any potential disruptions, ensuring that Ghana maintains its reputation as a beacon of democracy in West Africa," she added. ACP Agbitor also noted that such training in previous election years had proved beneficial as the security agencies were better equipped to prevent electoral offences. "We all want a violent-free election, so let's all come onboard and support the security services to ensure a peaceful election so that at the end, the glory will be for all Ghanaians and not the security services alone," she said. Mr. Norbert Wienold, the German Course Director, who officially opened the first cohort of the course, expressed optimism for a peaceful election in Ghana.