Prof Mike Oquaye backs Kojo Bamba’s call for stronger ballot protection

Former Speaker of Parliament Professor Mike Oquaye has expressed support for New Patriotic Party (NPP) First Vice Chairman Kojo Bamba's call for improved measures to safeguard the party's ballots. In an interview on Joy FM's Super Morning Show, Professor Oquaye stated that Bamba's message was "right" and highlighted the NPP's previous reliance on the police for election security, which he believed had raised concerns about ballot protection.

He accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of undermining this arrangement through intimidation and interference during elections, citing instances of ballot box seizures, the deployment of "macho men" at polling centers, and resulting re-voting in certain areas. Professor Oquaye suggested that the NPP was not seeking violence, but rather a failure of state institutions to protect citizens and political parties.

He cautioned that if the police were proven ineffective, political parties might seek alternative security arrangements. Professor Oquaye urged religious leaders, civil society organizations, and other influential groups to intervene and end political intimidation. He also criticized the arrest of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, expressing concern over the situation.

His comments contribute to the ongoing debate surrounding political party security, ballot protection, and the police's role in maintaining Ghana's electoral process ahead of the 2028 general election.