NPP regional election: Bodyguards, large supporter groups banned

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has implemented stricter security measures in preparation for its regional executive elections. Party officials have instructed candidates to refrain from bringing bodyguards or large groups of supporters to polling stations. Ebenezer Doku, a member of the NPP Greater Accra Regional Elections Committee, disclosed that a significant number of police officers will be deployed to ensure the safety of delegates and maintain order during the elections.

In an interview with Accra-based Citi FM, Mr Doku revealed that around 400 police officers would be present to secure the 700 delegates anticipated in the Greater Accra election. The heightened security arrangements aim to prevent disturbances and guarantee a peaceful election process. The NPP is conducting its regional executive elections across all 16 regions to elect executives who will oversee the party’s affairs at the regional level for four years.

Mr Doku emphasized that the elections committee has also reduced the number of individuals allowed to accompany candidates to the polling stations to prevent overcrowding and potential disruptions. Each aspirant will receive a minimum of three observer accreditations, permitting only a limited number of people to join them at the voting center.

Previous elections have demonstrated that numerous supporters accompanying candidates can occasionally lead to disturbances at polling centers. Therefore, Mr Doku appealed to candidates and their supporters to adhere to the security protocols and cooperate with the police to ensure a smooth and peaceful electoral process.