UN envoy applauds Ghana’s Security Task Force for upholding peace during elections

The United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa, Leonardo Santos Simāo, has lauded Ghana’s National Election Security Task Force, led by Inspector General of Police Dr George Akufo Dampare, for their professionalism and dedication to ensuring peaceful elections in the country.

Speaking during a visit to the Police Headquarters in Accra, Leonardo Santos Simāo commended the Task Force for their careful planning and execution, which he described as crucial in maintaining peace and stability during the electoral process.

He emphasised that peaceful elections are not a coincidence but the result of meticulous preparation and collaboration among security forces and other stakeholders.

“Elections are associated with emotions, and emotions can lead people to negative behaviours. However, when security forces work well, nothing happens, and it creates the impression that peace happened by itself," Simāo noted.

The UN delegation, led by Simāo, visited the National Election Security Task Force Press Centre to personally congratulate Dr. Dampare and other key officers. He also commended Ghanaian institutions, including civil society organizations, the judiciary, and the media, for their role in promoting peace and stability during the elections.

He highlighted the educative efforts of the Task Force, which involved active participation in stakeholder engagements and fostering communication with various groups.

Simāo praised Ghana’s commitment to democratic governance, noting that the country's approach to peaceful elections serves as an inspiration for other nations in West Africa and across the continent.

He expressed confidence that Ghana’s example would encourage others to adopt similar measures in conducting credible and peaceful elections.

“We are very happy to be associated with these peaceful elections. We will use Ghana’s experience to inspire other countries to follow your example and conduct peaceful elections," Leonardo Santos Simāo stated.