Security Chiefs coordinating "Operation Peace Angel"
mock exercise have been directed to ensure that the morale of their men
remains high for the December 7 elections.
Brigadier General Emmanuel Okyere, General Officer Commanding (GOC) Southern Command gave the directive when he visited the Volta Region on
Sunday to assess the unfolding of the exercise.
He observed that, well-motivated personnel were vital to translate
the well-worked operational strategies into a successful operation.
Brigadier-General Okyere visited the operational centre at the
Police Headquarters, the Central Police Station, the Electoral Commission,
the Police Training Depot and the Ahoe-Market Polling station to interact
with officials and personnel during the mock exercise.
At all those places, the GOC stressed the need to get the
administrative, logistics and operational requirements in perfect shape
in preparation for December 7.
He said it was important to pay attention to minute details and
developments during the exercise so as to formulate well-oiled machinery
to deal with any challenges that might arise on the Election Day.
Brigadier-General Okyere reminded the Operation Taskforce that the situation on December 7 would be more challenging than it is now and must therefore be well tuned mentally, physically, psychologically and administratively to confront any challenges that might arise.
He said the mock exercise has been planned based on experiences gained during foreign operations and previous elections since the inception of the Fourth Republic.
The GOC advised the security personnel to be neutral and highly professional in their approach to the challenges that might confront them on December 7.
Brigadier-General Okyere appealed to the public as "major stakeholders" in the December elections to co-operate with the security personnel in protecting the integrity of the elections.
The scenarios were acted in ten polling centres in the Ho-West and Ho-Central constituencies considered to be flash points.
The Rapid Deployment Force responded quickly when called in to contain riotous situations at the Ho-Kpodzi E.P. and Anyirawase Community Library Polling centres in the Ho Central and Ho-West constituencies respectively.
The Taskforce also responded quickly when a vehicle conveying electoral materials broke down at Bame.
At the Fiave Polling Centre where the Presiding Officer did not turn up as expected the EC was called in by the Taskforce to provide a replacement quickly.
The personnel on the ground expressed satisfaction with how their rations and other logistic needs were being met.
Mr Johnson A.Y. Akafia, Ho Municipal Electoral Officer described the exercise as "very useful" in enhancing the co-ordination and collaboration between the security personnel and the electoral officers.
Public reaction to the exercise was however not very manifest as most people were in church except for very few people who were attracted to the unfolding events, especially those involving the RDFs.