Nine days to the 2024 polls, the Ghana Police Service (GPS) has launched a toll-free number, 0800311311, and a cash reward system to encourage the public to provide tip-offs that could prevent disruptions during the 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 revealed that cash rewards ranging from GH¢1,000 to GH¢20,000 would be offered to individuals who supply credible information, with strict measures in place to protect the identities of informants.
“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 is part of efforts by the Elections Security Taskforce, which is chaired by the IGP, to ensure a peaceful and secure electoral process. The Taskforce comprises the police, military, Immigration Service, Prisons Service, Fire Service, and other security agencies.
Brigadier General K.D. Hagan, responsible for Operations, Training, Communication, and Peacekeeping at the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), reassured the public about the military’s role in election security. He emphasized that the police would lead security efforts, with the military only stepping in as reinforcement when required.
“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 explained.
Professor Eliasu Mumuni, National Secretary for UTAG, commended the police for maintaining peace and involving academia in election security discussions. He pledged that UTAG would intensify advocacy for peaceful elections.
