Defense Minister Dominic Nitiwul has cleared the government of any responsibility for security lapses during the 2024 elections, asserting that the National Elections Security Task Force, headed by Inspector General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, is the entity responsible for overseeing all security arrangements during the election period.
In a parliamentary session on Monday, December 16, 2024, Nitiwul addressed concerns raised by the Minority about the deaths of two individuals during the election process. He clarified that any questions related to election security should be directed to the National Elections Security Task Force, not to government ministers or appointees.
“You cannot be a judge in your own court,” Nitiwul said, explaining that the Executive’s involvement in election security would present a conflict of interest. He further emphasized that any official statements on election-related security matters should come from the IGP and his team.
The two fatalities, which occurred in Nyankpala in the Northern Region and Awutu Senya East Constituency in Kasoa, Central Region, involved shootings and other tragic incidents, according to police reports.
Nitiwul’s statement aligns with the regulatory framework governing public elections in Ghana, which designates the National Elections Security Task Force as the authority responsible for election security.
