The situation at the Fanteakwa North Constituency Collation Centre in the Eastern Region turned chaotic when Electoral Commission (EC) officials were reportedly attacked by unidentified individuals during the collation of election results.
The attackers accused the EC officials of allegedly attempting to manipulate results in favour of an unspecified political party, either the New Patriotic Party (NPP) or the National Democratic Congress (NDC). This unsubstantiated claim led to a violent assault on the officials and damage to property at the collation centre.
Police intervention to restore order proved insufficient as tensions remained high. Consequently, a heavy security team, comprising trained security personnel, including members of the Ghana Armed Forces, was deployed to take control of the situation and safeguard the ongoing collation process.
The heavy security team is known for its professionalism and swift response in handling security challenges. Their presence has brought a semblance of calm to the collation centre, enabling the process to continue under heightened security measures.
Some EC officials at the collation centre have strongly condemned the attack, urging calm among all stakeholders and the public. They emphasized the importance of allowing the collation process to proceed transparently and without intimidation.
This incident has raised concerns about the safety of election officials and the integrity of the electoral process during the 2024 general elections. It underscores the need for adequate security measures to ensure free, fair, and credible elections.
The intervention by the heavy security team highlights the critical role of well-trained security personnel in maintaining peace during high-stakes moments in the electoral process.