Accra: Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohunu, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), has announced that the Ghana Police Service is fully prepared to provide comprehensive security for the New Patriotic Party's Presidential Primary, scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026. The IGP assured that thorough arrangements have been made to protect lives and property before, during, and after the primaries across the country.
According to Ghana News Agency, the IGP provided this assurance during a meeting with NPP members and the Party's five presidential aspirants, who gathered to sign a peace pact ahead of the election. The peace pact commits aspirants, Mr. Ken Ohene Agyapong, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Mr. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, to conduct issue-based campaigns, adhere to party rules and procedures, and ensure their supporters refrain from actions that could disrupt party peace and cohesion. Additionally, the pact obliges them to accept the primary's outcome through lawful internal party processes.
The IGP explained that the NPP had officially requested exclusive police management of the primary's security. 'We have 276 plus one polling centres. We have been able to make our operational plans and have met all our regional commanders responsible for these areas where these elections will take place,' he stated.
Addressing potential security challenges in Bawku, Mr. Yohunu mentioned that military support might be required, stating, 'We may require the support of the military in Bawku, and we have written to the Interior Minister to inform the Minister of Defence. In all other areas, the military will remain on standby.' He assured that a minimum of 70 police personnel would be deployed to each polling station, with senior officers overseeing deployments to ensure effective security coverage.
Regarding concerns about unofficial security groups, Mr. Yohunu warned that the Service would not tolerate any foreign security presence at the polling stations. 'We will not entertain any foreign security at the polling station. We have heard a lot on social media and others. And some of the leaders of the party have forwarded some voices to me, indicating that some individuals are planning to deploy much more,' he added.
He emphasized that the police are more capable than any unauthorized security groups and that any such groups attempting to disrupt the process would be arrested. He also cautioned that no party leadership should attempt to intervene if any unauthorized personnel are detained.
The IGP reiterated the Police Service's commitment to ensuring a peaceful primary, stating, '.we will contribute heavily to making sure that at the end of the day, the one you want to be the presidential candidate and to stand for the NPP will come out victoriously under a peaceful security arrangement.' He concluded by thanking the party for their confidence in the police.