Defense Minister Dominic Nitiwul has firmly stated that the government should not be held accountable for any security failures during the 2024 general elections.
He made it clear that responsibility rests with the National Elections Security Task Force, headed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, which was tasked with overseeing the security arrangements throughout the election process.
During a Parliamentary session on Monday, December 16, Mr Nitiwul responded to concerns raised by the Minority over the deaths of two individuals during the election period.
He maintained that any inquiries about election-related security issues should be directed at the Task Force, not government ministers or appointees, as they were not involved in security management.
“In both the lead-up to and following the elections, the National Elections Security Task Force, under the leadership of the IGP, was responsible for maintaining order. If the Speaker or the House feels the need to summon security officials to brief Parliament, it must be the IGP and his team, as ministers and government appointees were not involved,” he explained.
He further emphasised that the Executive should not oversee security during elections, as it would conflict with the principle of impartiality.
“It is essential that the Executive does not control security because, as the saying goes, you cannot be a judge in your own court. That is why, if any official briefing is needed, it must come from the IGP and his team,” he added.
