Dr. Agordzo Calls for National SWAT Exclusion in Elections

KEY POINTS

• National SWAT violates constitutional provisions, says Dr. Agordzo.
• Election security should remain under the Ghana Police Service.
• Inclusivity and transparency are crucial for credible elections.

Dr. Benjamin Agordzo, Police Planning Officer at the UN Mission Support for Justice Reform, urged the exclusion of the National Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit from Ghana’s 2024 elections. Speaking at the Peace Through Democracy forum, Dr. Agordzo called the unit “illegal” and unnecessary. He argued that SWAT’s existence violates constitutional provisions, threatening peace and credibility during elections.

According to him, the Ghanaian Constitution mandates that no police service should exist outside the Ghana Police Service unless created by an Act of Parliament. “Where from the National SWAT? Who created it, and under what Act of Parliament?” he questioned. He emphasized that election security must remain the police’s responsibility.

Dr. Agordzo also criticized SWAT’s training and orientation, which he claimed serve specific regimes. This bias, he said, undermines the neutrality required for effective election security.

What Ayawaso West Wuogon teaches about security risks

Dr. Agordzo highlighted the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election of January 2019 as a warning sign. During the by-election, violence erupted, including a shooting incident at the home of NDC candidate Mr. Kwasi Delali Brempong. The incident injured 18 people, while an observer at a polling station was also assaulted.

“This incident remains fresh in our minds,” Dr. Agordzo noted. He stressed that SWAT’s involvement in such cases damages public trust and disrupts the democratic process. Repeating these mistakes in 2024 could worsen Ghana’s democratic standing.

Alternative strategies to ensure credible elections

To avoid similar outcomes, Dr. Agordzo proposed strengthening the Ghana Police Service to manage election security independently. He also urged early engagement with stakeholders, such as civil society groups and think tanks, to improve transparency. “Their inclusion in the National Election Security Task Force ensures diverse views are considered,” he said.

He further suggested distinguishing security strategies for by-elections and general elections. “We can’t saturate security forces in a single constituency during national elections,” he stated. Efficient resource allocation, he argued, is vital for successful nationwide elections.

Lastly, Dr. Agordzo advised against deploying military personnel to polling stations, referencing incidents in Techiman South during previous elections. “We can conduct peaceful elections without military involvement,” he concluded. By implementing these strategies, he believes Ghana can safeguard its democratic processes and uphold its credibility.