Ministers, government appointees were not involved in election security – Defense Minister

Defense Minister, Dominic Nitiwul, has categorically denied claims that government ministers and appointees were involved in overseeing security arrangements during the 2024 general election.

Speaking in Parliament, he clarified that election security matters were entirely managed by the National Elections Security Task Force under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.

“In both the lead-up to and following the elections, the National Elections Security Task Force, under the leadership of the IGP, was responsible for maintaining order. If the Speaker or the House feels the need to summon security officials to brief Parliament, it must be the IGP and his team, as ministers and government appointees were not involved,” he emphasized.

Dominic Nitiwul underlined the importance of the Executive staying out of election security matters, stating, “It is essential that the Executive does not control security because, as the saying goes, you cannot be a judge in your own court. That is why, if any official briefing is needed, it must come from the IGP and his team.”

This follows deliberations in Parliament regarding incidents of violence and vandalism during and after the elections. The Minister’s remarks sought to address concerns about potential political interference in security arrangements.

While the 2024 general elections were largely peaceful, pockets of violence and clashes were reported in some areas, leading to injuries and vandalism.