KAIPTC trains security personnel to prevent election-related violence and ensure peaceful 2024 elections

As Ghana prepares for the 2024 General Elections, the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) is strengthening the capabilities of 82 security service personnel through its final Election Violence and Security Course.

The course is designed to equip officers with the necessary skills to manage election-related security challenges during, before, and after the upcoming Parliamentary and Presidential Elections.

The final training course is part of a series organised by KAIPTC with support from the German government.

The training is split into two cohorts, with the first group of 41 officers undergoing training from Monday, October 14, to Friday, October 18.

The second group, comprising another 41 officers, will receive their training next week from October 21 to 25.

Participants undertaking the course are from the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Armed Forces, National Intelligence Bureau, NIB, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service, and the Customs Division of GRA.

Speaking on behalf of the Commandant of KAIPTC, Col. Anorph Barnabas Akanbong, Director in Charge of Training at the centre, emphasised the importance of preparing security personnel for their role in maintaining peace during the election process.

He noted that elections, by nature, bring tensions, and security officers must be prepared to handle potential unrest.

“Elections in all democracies bring tension with the potential for violence, and this course is to build the capacities of security officers before, during, and after the election,” said Col. Anorph Barnabas Akanbong.

“It is to provide information on the fundamental roles of the police, military, and all security services in the management of electoral processes,” he added.

Col. Akanbong assured that KAIPTC, through its Election Violence and Security Courses and other training programs, will contribute to ensuring a peaceful election in December.

He urged the participants to take full advantage of the course to help maintain Ghana’s reputation as a stable democracy.

“Ghana is regarded as a beacon of democracy, and we cannot afford to let it backslide on our watch,” Col. Akanbong stressed.

International Support and Collaboration
German Course Director, Mr. Norbert Wienold, who declared the course open, praised the participating security personnel for their interest in the training.

He pointed out that their involvement demonstrates a strong commitment to ensuring peace during the 2024 election.

“I want to thank you all for your interest in this course. It shows you have good intentions and a genuine interest in a peaceful election,” Mr. Wienold remarked.

On the sidelines of the opening ceremony, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Edem Evelyn Agbitor, Course Director, highlighted the need for collaboration among all security agencies to ensure that Ghana continues to enjoy its well-earned peace during the election period.

She urged Ghanaians to support the security services in their efforts to maintain order and security during the December 7 election.

“All Ghanaians want a violence-free election, so they should all come on board to support the security services. A peaceful election is a win for all Ghanaians, not just the security services,” ACP Agbitor said.

Training Nationwide for Peaceful Elections
So far, three similar courses have been held in Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale, aimed at enhancing the preparedness of security personnel for the upcoming elections.

As the December 7 election date approaches, the ongoing training efforts reflect Ghana’s commitment to ensuring that the election process remains peaceful, with security forces playing a key role in safeguarding the nation’s democratic integrity.