Refrain from the usage of ‘machomen’ on election day – Owusu-Agyeman to aspirants – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

In the lead-up to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primary scheduled for Saturday, a significant call for peace and order has been issued by a senior party figure. Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, the Chairman of the NPP Council of Elders, has issued a stern directive to all flagbearer hopefuls regarding the conduct of the election. Specifically, he has cautioned aspirants to refrain from the usage of ‘machomen’—private security enforcers—on election day. This directive is part of broader efforts to ensure a transparent, peaceful, and harmonious voting process, emphasizing reliance on state security institutions rather than private militias.

As the party prepares for a pivotal democratic exercise, the message from the Council of Elders is clear: the integrity of the election depends on the adherence to established protocols and the disbandment of unauthorized security details.

Key Points

Background

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is currently navigating a competitive internal democratic process to select its flagbearer for the upcoming general elections. On Thursday, ahead of the Saturday primary, a crucial peace signing ceremony was held in Accra. This event was organized by the party’s Presidential Elections Committee (PEC) to foster a climate of trust and stability.

Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, serving as the Chairman of the Council of Elders, utilized this platform to address a growing concern: the potential use of unauthorized security personnel, often referred to as “machomen,” by campaign teams. Historically, the use of such groups in Ghanaian political primaries has led to tension and sporadic violence. By addressing this issue directly, the party leadership aims to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

The context of this warning is rooted in the NPP’s history of conducting relatively peaceful internal elections since the return to constitutional rule in 1992. The leadership is keen to maintain this track record, ensuring that the competition remains strictly ideological and procedural rather than physical or coercive.

Analysis

Hackman Owusu-Agyeman’s admonition to the aspirants highlights several critical aspects of democratic governance and party management.

The Role of State Institutions vs. Private Militias

The primary thrust of the Chairman’s message is the reaffirmation of the state’s monopoly on violence. By directing that “machomen” be disbanded, Owusu-Agyeman is reinforcing the authority of the Ghana Police Service. In democratic societies, the reliance on state security ensures neutrality and accountability. Private security groups, often unregulated, can act as agents of intimidation, thereby disenfranchising voters or creating chaos at polling centers. The directive signals that the NPP values the credibility of the election process enough to rely solely on professional law enforcement.

Political Responsibility and Restraint

Owusu-Agyeman linked the usage of private security to a lack of “true leadership.” He posited that genuine leadership requires restraint and a commitment to the collective good. This suggests that aspirants who feel the need to employ “machomen” may be acting out of insecurity or a willingness to subvert democratic norms for personal gain. The call for responsibility is a reminder that the primary is an internal family affair, not a war zone.

Preserving Party Harmony

The Chairman also warned against the aftermath of the election—specifically, the tendency for losing candidates to make allegations against the committee or the party. By signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aspirants are making a binding commitment to accept the results peacefully. This legal and moral framework is designed to prevent the fracturing of the party base, ensuring that energy is conserved for the general election rather than spent on internal litigation or conflict.

Practical Advice

For political aspirants, campaign managers, and party observers, the following practical steps are derived from the Chairman’s directive to ensure compliance and safety:

Immediate Disbandment of Security Details

Campaign teams must audit their security arrangements immediately. If any private security personnel have been contracted for election day, those contracts must be terminated. Relying solely on the Ghana Police Service ensures that security is handled by neutral parties trained to manage public order.

Adherence to the Peace Pact

Aspirants should familiarize themselves with the specific clauses of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in Accra. This document serves as a guide for acceptable behavior before, during, and after the polls.

Communication Strategy

Candidates should communicate clearly to their supporters that they must respect the authority of the police and party polling agents. Any attempts by supporters to disrupt the process should be reported immediately.

Focus on Issue-Based Campaigning

To avoid the temptation of resorting to intimidation, campaign teams should focus their remaining efforts on policy articulation and voter engagement through dialogue. This shifts the focus from physical dominance to intellectual persuasion.

FAQ

Conclusion

The directive from Hackman Owusu-Agyeman serves as a critical reminder of the principles that underpin democratic internal party elections. By explicitly banning the usage of “machomen” and placing trust in the Ghana Police Service, the NPP leadership is taking proactive steps to safeguard the integrity of its presidential primary. The signed peace pact and the MoU represent a collective commitment by the aspirants to prioritize the stability of the party above personal ambition. As the election proceeds, the adherence to these guidelines will be the true test of the candidates’ leadership qualities and their dedication to the democratic process.