The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has raised serious questions about the deployment of military personnel ahead of the December 7 elections, challenging its constitutionality and appropriateness.

In a press statement, General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey called for adherence to the constitutional mandate of the police in ensuring election security.

“It is in compliance with the letter and spirit of this constitutional provision that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) is made the Chairman of the National Election Task Force and not the Chief of the Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces,” he stated.

He argued that the military’s presence contradicts established protocols for election security.

The NDC pointed to the Election Security Task Force’s November 21 briefing, which outlined that the military would only be deployed at the request of the IGP on a case-by-case basis.

“The ongoing deployment to local communities raises critical questions. What case has necessitated the request even before the elections begin?” Fifi Kwetey quizzed.

The opposition party’s concern stems from fears that the militarisation of the elections could intimidate voters and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

“This deployment serves to intimidate the electorate and their families in their otherwise peaceful communities,” Fifi Kwetey said, adding that such actions could be perceived as an attempt to manipulate the will of the people.

The NDC urged President Nana Akufo-Addo to order the immediate withdrawal of the military from local communities, proposing that at most, military personnel should be co-located with police at the district level.

“The NDC reiterates its commitment to peaceful, free, fair, and transparent elections,” Fifi Kwetey stated while urging supporters to remain vigilant throughout the election period.

The party’s statement underscores a broader debate about the role of the military in democratic elections and the balance between security and voter confidence.