Security Expert Warns Public Education Alone Cannot Safeguard Ghana’s Electoral Process

A security expert, Richard Kumador, has cautioned that public education by the Police alone is insufficient to guarantee peace and credibility in Ghana’s electoral process, stressing the need for broader institutional responsibility and collaboration.

Speaking on Kessben TV’s Digest on Ayawaso East by-election,he said, while the Police may intensify public education efforts, citizens cannot rely solely on such interventions to ensure a smooth and transparent election outcome.

“Because of public education done by the Police, the place is very calm, but you cannot trust what others can do on the blind side, so you need to monitor till the final process,” he stated.

Mr. Kumador explained that elections operate within multiple layers, and Ayawaso East is yet to witness what he described as the “last layer” of the process. He noted that while the first four layers may appear calm and well-managed, the critical stages often determine the credibility and acceptance of results.

“What happens at the last layer is from 3pm to 5pm, when the collations, sorting ,counting and declarations are made. Election misunderstandings are usually not from the security agencies but the parties on the ground and the Electoral Commission. This is what explains the violence we sometimes see,” he added.

He further indicated that the security presence at collation centers and polling stations does not automatically guarantee the non-duplication of results or eliminate the risk of incidents that could spark unrest.

“Supporters, security and guarantees are in place, but they do not fully prevent duplication of results that can spark violence or misunderstanding. If we don’t want heavy Police presence, then politicians must cooperate among themselves,” he emphasized.

Mr. Kumador urged political actors to prioritize collaboration and transparency to maintain public trust and avoid post-election tensions.

His comments come amid heightened political activities, with stakeholders calling for vigilance, accountability and collective responsibility to ensure peaceful elections.