The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has introduced a cash reward system to encourage the public to provide information that could prevent disturbances during the 2024 general elections.Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), announced that individuals who offer useful information about threats to peace will receive cash rewards ranging from GH¢1,000 to GH¢20,000, depending on the significance of the information.

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He also assured that the identities of informants would remain confidential.The IGP made the announcement during a meeting with the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) in Accra, as part of the ongoing efforts by the Elections Security Taskforce to engage stakeholders and discuss security measures for peaceful elections.

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“If you find it difficult to bring the information one-on-one, a toll-free number, 0800311311, has been introduced for that purpose,” Dr. Dampare said.He urged UTAG to contribute to the Taskforce’s operational plans for peaceful elections and use their platforms to preach the message of peace.

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The Elections Security Taskforce, chaired by the IGP, includes various security agencies such as the military, Immigration Service, Prisons Service, Fire Service, and GPS, all working together to ensure a secure electoral process.Brigadier General K.D. Hagan, who oversees Operations, Training, Communication, and Peacekeeping at the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), addressed concerns about the military’s involvement in election security.

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He clarified that the police would lead the security efforts, while the military would only be called upon for reinforcement if necessary.“Be rest assured that we shall not be there but only at identified flash points or hot spots, and we will not intervene until Police asks us to assist.“We are humans as you are, and we will not be there to molest anyone.

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“If things get out of the hands of the Taskforce, we will use small energy to get things done,” Brig. Gen. Hagan said.Professor Eliasu Mumuni, the National Secretary for UTAG, commended the police for maintaining peace in the country and appreciated the Taskforce’s efforts to include the academic community in election security discussions. He assured the Taskforce that UTAG would intensify advocacy to promote peaceful elections.

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