Election Watch Ghana has condemned the use of military and other official state security uniforms by private security personnel, following a reported incident involving a political aspirant.
In a statement dated Tuesday, November 10, the group said it was deeply concerned and disappointed by reports that a political aspirant was accompanied by individuals dressed in military uniforms and providing private security services the previous day.
Election Watch Ghana said the incident raises serious concerns at a time when the country is working to strengthen its democratic institutions, promote peaceful political participation and protect the integrity of its electoral processes.
While acknowledging that political aspirants, party officials and other political actors may make appropriate security arrangements where necessary, the group stressed that such arrangements must comply with Ghana’s laws and the rules governing private security operations.
They must not enable anyone to impersonate state security personnel or unlawfully use uniforms, insignia or other identifiers associated with the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Police Service or other recognised state security institutions, the statement said.
According to the group, private security personnel in such attire can confuse the public, undermine confidence in legitimate security institutions and create an atmosphere of intimidation and fear.
It warned that bringing private security arrangements that resemble official state security operations into party politics risks setting a dangerous precedent, noting that Ghana has made significant progress in addressing political vigilantism and unauthorised groups.
Election Watch Ghana called on the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to take the matter seriously and act appropriately if any aspirant or party member is found to have engaged private security personnel wearing military uniforms or other unauthorised state security attire.
The group urged the party to make clear that its internal electoral rules prohibit engaging or deploying private security personnel dressed in military uniforms or other uniforms reserved for recognised state security institutions; using military insignia, badges, ranks or other official security identifiers without lawful authorisation; establishing or deploying unofficial security groups to accompany, protect or intimidate opponents on behalf of political aspirants; and making security arrangements that create fear, intimidation or unnecessary tension among party members, delegates, supporters or the public.
Election Watch Ghana said compliance with these rules should be a fundamental requirement for every aspirant, and that where violations are established, the party should apply appropriate disciplinary measures, regardless of the individual’s standing.
The group also drew the attention of the Ministry of the Interior, the Ghana Police Service and other relevant state institutions to the reported incident, urging them to investigate the circumstances, determine whether any laws or regulations have been breached, and take appropriate action if violations are confirmed.
It added that authorities should act early to prevent such practices from becoming widespread or escalating into more serious security threats, and that rules governing private security companies, including the use of uniforms and official security identifiers, must be enforced consistently.
“No individual, political party or aspirant is above the law,” the statement said.
Election Watch Ghana further stated that political competition, within parties and nationally, should be driven by ideas, policies, competence and the confidence of the electorate, not displays of force, intimidation or the inappropriate use of security personnel.
It encouraged all aspirants to act responsibly, respect Ghana’s laws and avoid taking undue advantage of the system, adding that democratic institutions must be protected to ensure political activity does not become a breeding ground for vigilantism or unlawful security practices.
“Ghana’s peace and democratic stability must always come first,” the group concluded.