“Police are more ‘macho’ than your ‘macho men’” — IGP warns ahead of NPP Jan. 31 Presidential primaries

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has assured the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of robust and comprehensive security arrangements for its presidential primaries scheduled for January 31, warning that the Police Service will deal decisively with any attempt to disrupt the process.

Speaking on Thursday at the signing of the NPP Presidential Peace Pact at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, the IGP said the Ghana Police Service is fully prepared to ensure a peaceful, orderly and credible election across the country.

“The police are more ‘macho’ than your ‘macho men,’” Mr Yohuno declared, cautioning individuals or groups who may be contemplating intimidation or violence.

"If anyone disregards the caution given and attempts to cause trouble, we will arrest them. The Police Service will act professionally and without fear or favour.”

According to him, the Police Service began preparations immediately after receiving formal notification from the party and has since identified all locations where the primaries will be conducted.

“We have identified all the areas where the elections will take place and established 256 police centres plus one,” the IGP said.

“We have completed our operational plans and met all regional commanders responsible for these areas. They are fully ready to deploy.”

He explained that a three-tier security arrangement—comprising inner, middle and outer deployments—has been put in place to protect delegates, party officials, electoral materials and voting centres.

The outer layer, he noted, will focus on preventive safety measures to forestall any disturbances.

Mr Yohuno disclosed that special attention has been given to areas considered sensitive, including parts of Bawku, where the Police Service has requested military support to complement its operations. He added that the security situation in all other areas remains calm.

“Our officers have undergone extensive training and preparation,” he said, noting that several regional commanders had indicated their readiness to conduct the elections even immediately.

Commending the NPP for engaging the Police Service early and prioritising peace, the IGP said the strong police presence at the event reflected the Service’s commitment to the peace pact and the democratic process.

“All we want is peace so that, at the end of the day, the process will be successful and everyone will enjoy the fruits of this democratic exercise,” he said.

The assurance comes as the NPP prepares to elect its presidential candidate, with party leaders and security agencies jointly emphasising discipline, unity and peaceful conduct before, during and after the January 31 primaries.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith