The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has strongly condemned the deployment of armed military personnel into local communities across Ghana ahead of the December 7, elections.

Describing the move as unconstitutional and intimidating, the NDC has called on President Nana Akufo-Addo, as Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, to immediately withdraw the troops.

“This unbridled militarisation of the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections is unconstitutional and unlawful,” said Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, General Secretary of the NDC, in a statement.

“An election is not a war. This is a maintenance of law and order mission meant for the law enforcement agencies, not a war or restoration of law and order mission that would be meant for the military.”

According to the NDC, the military presence, characterised by the deployment of armoured vehicles and heavy weapons, threatens to subvert the will of the people and intimidate voters in otherwise peaceful communities.

The opposition party argued that such actions undermine the democratic principles enshrined in Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.

Referencing Article 200(3) of the Constitution, the NDC stated that the police, not the military, have the primary responsibility for maintaining law and order during elections.

“The Police Service shall be equipped and maintained to perform its traditional role of maintaining law and order,” the Constitution states.

The NDC also expressed concerns over the Election Security Task Force’s protocols.

“The Military will be on call and would deploy only when requested to do so by the IGP, as may be required and on a case-by-case basis,” noted Fifi Kwetey.

“One would ask if the ongoing deployment to local communities is at the request of the IGP and which case has necessitated the request even before the elections begin.”

The NDC urged its supporters to remain vigilant while maintaining their commitment to peaceful, free, and fair elections.