The Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Tanko Computer, has stressed that while the Ghana Police Service plays the lead role in ensuring security during elections, they do not act in isolation.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, August 30, he explained that other security agencies also have clearly defined roles under the Electoral Security Taskforce arrangement.

“The police lead election security operations, but they are not the only ones responsible.

The National Security, the Ghana Armed Forces, the Immigration Service, and other state agencies all contribute to the maintenance of peace and order during elections,” Mr Computer noted.

He added that a collaborative approach was essential to prevent disturbances and to maintain public confidence in the process.

His remarks follow a warning from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that it would treat any military officer seen at the upcoming Akwatia by-election as a “thug”.

Responding, Mr Computer urged political actors not to create unnecessary tension around the presence of security agencies.

“The military has a legitimate role to play, but they operate under the command of the police in election-related duties. To brand them as thugs is to undermine the very institutions mandated to protect our democracy,” he stressed.

The NDC official called for restraint and reminded stakeholders that safeguarding the credibility of elections requires cooperation rather than confrontation.

“What Ghanaians want to see is a peaceful process, not threats and counter-threats.

All the agencies, led by the police, are working to ensure just that. Let us allow them to do their job,” he said.