Ghana Closes Land Borders for 48 Hours Ahead of Election Day

 

Ahead of Ghana’s critical 2024 general elections scheduled for December 7, authorities have announced the closure of all land borders for 48 hours to safeguard the electoral process. The shutdown, effective from December 6 to December 8, is part of heightened security measures to prevent illegal cross-border activities that could disrupt the elections.

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) emphasized its commitment to maintaining peace and order during this period. The agency assured citizens of a well-coordinated effort involving all security agencies to deter any threats to the democratic process. GIS Controller-General Kwame Ansah Takyi reiterated that security forces will not tolerate attempts to destabilize the elections or breach public safety.

This decision comes amidst broader efforts to enhance election security. Key measures include the deployment of military personnel to support the police, intelligence-sharing initiatives, and community engagement at border areas. Stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and security experts, have called for vigilance against misinformation and political vigilantism, issues that have marred previous elections.

The government has also implemented surveillance technologies and rapid response strategies to address potential security breaches. Citizens are encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement and report any suspicious activities. These measures aim to protect the integrity of the election and ensure a peaceful atmosphere for voters.

The closure underscores the stakes of the 2024 election, which will elect a president and 275 members of parliament. It is seen as a litmus test for Ghana’s democracy, with peace and security being paramount. Both local and international observers are on the ground to monitor the process and uphold transparency.