#ElectionEye: UN Mission calls for the exclusion of SWAT from Ghana’s 2024 elections

Police Planning Officer at the UN Mission Support for Justice Reform, ACP Dr Benjamin Agordzo, has called for the exclusion of the National Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) from Ghana’s 2024 general elections.

He described the unit as “illegal” and unnecessary.

Speaking at the Peace Through Democracy forum organised by the GIMPA Law Students Association on Wednesday, Dr Agordzo raised concerns about the legality and orientation of the SWAT unit under the National Security apparatus.

“According to the Constitution, apart from the Ghana Police Service, no other police service should be created unless by an Act of Parliament,” he stated.

“Where from the National SWAT? Who created it, and under what Act of Parliament?”

He described the unit’s existence as a constitutional violation and argued that its deployment in elections poses risks to peace and credibility.

Dr. Agordzo recalled the controversial role of SWAT in the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, which was marred by violence.

The by-election which was held on January 31, 2019, was marred by a shooting incident at the residence of Mr Kwasi Delali Brempong, the NDC candidate, which resulted in injuries to 18 persons. An observer at one of the polling stations was also assaulted.

“Ayawaso West Wuogon is still fresh in our minds,” he said.

“If we really need peace, we must advocate that the National SWAT is not deployed,” Dr Agordzo added.

He stated that election security should be the sole responsibility of the police, supported by specially trained officers when necessary.

“The orientation and training of the National SWAT are skewed towards serving a particular regime,” he said, warning that their involvement could undermine the neutrality of election security operations.

Dr Agordzo proposed alternative strategies, such as enhancing the capacity of the police and engaging with stakeholders early in the election process.

He also called for a clear distinction between strategies for by-elections and general elections.

“We don’t have the luxury of saturating security forces in a single constituency for national elections,” he said.

The senior police officer reiterated the need for inclusivity in election security planning. “

Civil society organizations and think tanks should be part of the National Election Security Task Force,” he argued. This, he said, would enhance transparency and ensure that diverse perspectives are considered.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Agordzo urged authorities to avoid deploying the military at polling stations.

“Techiman South is too fresh on our minds,” he cautioned. “We can do this election peacefully without deploying any military officer.”