Here is the rewritten article, structured in clean HTML, optimized for SEO, and written in a pedagogical and unique style.

NPP Race Security: Akufo-Addo Expresses Confidence in IGP Ahead of 2026 Primaries

Introduction

As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) prepares for its crucial presidential primaries scheduled for January 31, 2026, political tension is naturally rising. However, a key narrative emerging from the party’s leadership is one of stability and trust in state institutions. Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has publicly voiced his confidence in the Ghana Police Service to ensure a peaceful and secure electoral process. This article explores the dynamics of this assurance, the specific security measures outlined by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), and what this means for the integrity of the internal party contest.

Key Points

Background

Internal party elections, particularly presidential primaries, are often volatile environments. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is currently in a transition phase, selecting a flagbearer to lead the party into the next general election. The January 31, 2026, date is pivotal. Historically, internal contests can generate friction, making the role of the national security apparatus critical.

The peace pact signing ceremony was a strategic move to preempt violence. It brought together all presidential aspirants, party executives, and state security officials. The presence of the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, at this ceremony signaled a departure from a hands-off approach to a fully integrated security strategy. This meeting underscored the importance of the police service not just as enforcers, but as guarantors of democratic processes within the party.

Analysis

The statement by Akufo-Addo—“We depend on IGP and his staff to do an excellent activity”—carries significant weight. It serves a dual purpose: it reassures party members and the general public that the environment is safe, and it places a stamp of approval on the Ghana Police Service’s professionalism.

The Symbolism of the Peace Pact

Peace pacts are ceremonial documents where candidates pledge to accept results and refrain from violence. However, the efficacy of such a pact relies heavily on the security backing it. By explicitly thanking the IGP and his senior officers, Akufo-Addo is shifting the narrative from potential conflict to institutional order. This is a pedagogical lesson in political stability: when political actors publicly trust the police, it reduces the likelihood of supporters taking the law into their own hands.

Operational Credibility

IGP Yohuno’s detailed briefing adds substance to the former President’s confidence. The IGP did not offer vague assurances; he provided data. Identifying “276 plus one” polling centers demonstrates a granular understanding of the logistical challenge. The “layered security enterprise development” mentioned by the IGP—comprising inner, middle, and outer deployments—is a standard tactical approach used in high-stakes elections. This suggests that the police are not merely reacting to threats but are proactively managing the operational theater.

Resource Commitment

Deploying a minimum of 70 officers per polling center is a substantial commitment of resources. For context, this level of staffing transforms a polling station from a casual gathering into a secured facility. It indicates that the police are preparing for large turnouts and potential crowd control issues. The assurance that senior officers will oversee these operations nationally ensures that command and control remain intact, preventing localized lapses in security.

Practical Advice

For party members, observers, and voters participating in the NPP race, understanding the security landscape is essential. Here is a practical guide on how to navigate the January 31, 2026, elections safely and effectively.

For Voters and Delegates

• Arrive Early: With 70 officers deployed per center, security checks may take time. Arriving early prevents bottlenecks and ensures you cast your vote before closing time.
• Carry Valid Identification: Strict security protocols often require valid party ID and national identification. Ensure these are accessible to avoid delays at the inner and middle perimeters.
• Adhere to Police Directives: If the police establish one-way entry or exit points, follow them strictly. These measures are designed to manage crowd flow and enhance safety.

For Campaign Teams

• Coordinate with Local Police: Campaign teams should notify local police commanders of their movement plans, especially regarding convoys arriving at polling centers.
• Respect the Perimeter: The “outer layer” of security mentioned by the IGP is likely a buffer zone. Campaign materials and vehicles should be parked outside these zones to avoid obstructing security operations.
• Focus on Messaging: With security assured, campaign teams should pivot their focus to policy debates and mobilization rather than engaging in confrontations with rivals.

Understanding the Bawku Exception

It is crucial to note the specific mention of Bawku. While the police lead operations elsewhere, military support is required in Bawku due to ongoing security challenges. Residents and voters in this region should expect a joint security presence. This distinction highlights the tailored approach of the security agencies—applying force proportional to the assessed threat level.

FAQ

Conclusion

The upcoming NPP presidential primaries represent a critical moment in Ghana’s democratic journey. The explicit reliance on and confidence in the Ghana Police Service by former President Akufo-Addo sets a positive tone for the event. With the IGP, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, providing detailed logistical plans and a clear deployment strategy, the stage is set for a secure and orderly election. For the NPP and the nation at large, this collaboration between political leadership and security agencies serves as a model for managing internal democratic processes peacefully.

Sources

• Life Pulse Daily. (2026, January 22). NPP race: We depend on IGP and his staff to do an excellent activity – Akufo-Addo.
• Official Statements from the Ghana Police Service regarding election security protocols.
• Public records from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) regarding the 2026 presidential primaries schedule.