Jean Mensa Now Under Police Protection Following Military Withdrawal – Dr. Omane Boamah Confirms
On Saturday, July 5, Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, took to his verified Facebook page to announce a change in the security arrangements for the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mrs. Jean Mensa. According to Dr. Boamah, the Ghana Police Service has officially taken over responsibility for the protection of the EC Chair, replacing the military personnel who were previously assigned to her.
The announcement follows growing public interest and debate over the appropriateness of using military personnel for civilian protection duties, particularly for heads of independent institutions like the Electoral Commission. Dr. Boamah’s statement aims to clarify the government’s position and reinforce the role of the police in matters of internal security.
Police Now Lead Security for EC Chair
In his Facebook post, Dr. Omane Boamah explained that the Ghana Police Service is now in charge of Mrs. Mensa’s security detail. He highlighted that the police have the appropriate mandate, capacity, and training to handle internal security matters, including the protection of key public officials.
He wrote, “The Ghana Police Service has the specialised mandate and training for internal security and is, therefore, the institution best suited to lead in the protection of public officials such as the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.”
This change marks a return to standard security protocol, where civilian policing agencies are tasked with managing the personal security of individuals in non-military roles, especially those heading constitutional bodies.
Reason Behind Previous Military Escort
Dr. Boamah also offered context regarding the initial deployment of military personnel to guard the EC Chair. He acknowledged that under certain high-risk circumstances, the military may be temporarily assigned to support the police in providing enhanced security.
“In instances where the security landscape demands heightened vigilance or presents an elevated threat level, it is not uncommon for the military to assist the police,” he noted. “That was the rationale behind the previous military involvement.”
This clarification is significant, as it sheds light on the temporary nature of the military’s previous role and underlines that it was not intended as a long-term arrangement.
Public Reaction and Importance of Proper Security Protocols
The change in security detail has sparked discussion among citizens and political observers about the roles and limits of Ghana’s security forces, particularly regarding their involvement in civilian matters. The presence of the military in civilian spaces is often met with concern, as it can be perceived as a militarisation of governance.
By placing the EC Chair under the protection of the police, the government is reinforcing its commitment to democratic norms and the appropriate use of security forces. The Electoral Commission is a critical institution in Ghana’s democratic architecture, and maintaining its independence, including in matters of security, is essential.Dr. Edward Omane Boamah’s update on Jean Mensa’s new police-led security arrangement serves to reassure the public that proper protocols are being followed. The transition away from military escort reflects a broader effort to ensure that Ghana’s security forces operate within their constitutional mandates and that public officials are protected in ways that uphold democratic values and civilian oversight.
The move has been generally welcomed as a step in the right direction for promoting institutional balance and reinforcing the principle of civilian control over the state’s security apparatus.
