Toll-free, cash reward among measures to avert disruption of Ghana’s 2024 polls

Muhamad Yehia

The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has rolled out a toll-free number, 0800311311, and a cash reward system as part of measures to prevent disruptions during the 2024 general elections.

Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), announced the initiative during a meeting with the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) in Accra.

He explained that individuals who provide credible information about potential threats to peace would receive cash rewards ranging from GH¢1,000 to GH¢20,000, with assurances that informants’ identities would remain confidential.

“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 stated.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts by the Elections Security Taskforce, chaired by the IGP, to ensure a peaceful electoral process. The Taskforce comprises the police, military, Immigration Service, Prisons Service, Fire Service, and other security agencies working collaboratively.

Brigadier General K.D. Hagan, in charge of Operations, Training, Communication, and Peacekeeping at the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), addressed concerns about the military’s role in election security. He clarified that the police would lead all security efforts, with the military providing reinforcement only when 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.

“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, National Secretary for UTAG, lauded the police for maintaining peace and involving the academic community in election security discussions. He pledged UTAG’s support in advocating for peaceful elections.