On Saturday, July 5, Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, posted on Facebook that the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Jean Mensa, has been placed under the protection of the Ghana Police Service.
This follows the withdrawal of the military escort that previously guarded her, a move that triggered public discussion on the appropriate roles of security services in civilian affairs.
On his verified page, Dr. Omane Boamah confirmed the transition and emphasized that the police will now lead in safeguarding the EC chair.
He said the Ghana Police Service has the specialized mandate and training for internal security, and should therefore act as the primary force protecting public officials such as Mrs Mensa.
Dr. Omane Boamah also explained the rationale behind the initial deployment of soldiers: at times when threats escalate beyond routine, military involvement may be warranted to supplement the police.
However, he emphasised that “the presence of the military…can cause shock and awe, and this should not become the norm.”
With the withdrawal of military protection, he asserts that the police are now fully equipped to handle any credible threat to Mrs Mensa.
In his post, Dr. Omane Boamah urged the public to trust in the professionalism of the police and maintain calm: “The Ghana Police has enough personnel trained for peacekeeping and law enforcement,” he wrote, encouraging restraint and emphasising that military intervention should remain a last resort.
