Police Planning Officer at the UN Mission Support for Justice Reform, ACP Dr. Benjamin Agordzo, has vehemently opposed the involvement of the National Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team in Ghana’s 2024 general elections.He condemned the unit as "illegal" and unnecessary, stating that its formation has no basis in the constitution.Dr.

0

Agordzo voiced his strong objections during the Peace Through Democracy forum, hosted by the GIMPA Law Students Association on Wednesday. He raised serious concerns about the unit's legality and its role within the National Security structure.“According to the Constitution, apart from the Ghana Police Service, no other police service should be created unless by an Act of Parliament,” he stated.

1

“Where did the National SWAT come from? Who created it, and under what Act of Parliament?”He labeled the unit’s existence as a breach of the constitution and warned that its involvement in elections threatens both peace and the credibility of the process.Dr. Agordzo recalled the infamous actions of SWAT during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, which was plagued by violence.

2

The January 31, 2019, by-election was overshadowed by a shooting incident at the home of NDC candidate Mr. Kwasi Delali Brempong, leaving 18 people injured. An election observer at one of the polling stations was also assaulted during the chaos.“Ayawaso West Wuogon is still fresh in our minds. If we really need peace, we must advocate against the deployment of the National SWAT.

3

The orientation and training of the National SWAT are skewed towards serving a particular regime,” he said, warning that their involvement could undermine the neutrality of election security operations.Dr. Agordzo proposed that the police should instead focus on enhancing their capacity and engage with stakeholders early in the election process.

4

He pointed out that the country cannot afford to send too many security forces to just one area during national elections. He also emphasized that planning for election security should involve more people, including civil society groups and think tanks. This, he believes, would help make the process more transparent and ensure that diverse perspectives are considered.

5

He further urged officials not to send the military to polling stations, reminding everyone of the situation in Techiman South. Dr. Agordzo believes that the elections can be peaceful without the presence of soldiers at the voting centers.

6