The Inspector General of Police (IGP), John Kudalor, has said the decision to provide flagbearers and their running mates with police protection during political events, is to reduce the influence of heavily built men popularly known as macho men, in the political process.
Speaking during a courtesy call on the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo said some political parties initially resisted the offer to provide security for their leadership but later gave in after several consultations.
“We moved a step further to meet the presidential candidates and then their running mates and we made them aware that we are supposed to cut out a common protective umbrella for them so that they will all be on an equal level; no matter the party they belong to. Some of them tried resisting our offer and said they could provide their security; but we built a good argument that the Police is the only institution mandated to provide security especially armed security. They understood it and finally gave in and I am happy to say that all flagbearers and their running mates have police protection.”
The package forms part of security arrangements being put in place to ensure a peaceful electioneering process.
This arrangement is different from the general security that will be provided by the Police for political rallies and activities during the electioneering campaign.
Flagbearers have been assigned four police officers while their running mates have been assigned two police officers.
In 2012, a similar strategy was adopted by the Ghana Police Service.
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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana