A survey conducted by the Institute of Security Safety and Policy Research (ISSAPR) and the Bureau of Public Safety has revealed that John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), is the preferred presidential candidate among state security officers in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
The survey carried out among security officers participating in the special voting exercise, also highlighted critical factors influencing their voting decisions.
The survey, which sampled 907 security officers from a population of 100,000 across the police, military, immigration, fire, and prison services, showed the following voting preferences:
- John Dramani Mahama (NDC) – 53.8%
- Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia (NPP) – 19.3%
- Alan Kyerematen (Independent) – 8.7%
- Nana Kwame Bediako – 6.8%
- Hassan Abdulai Ayariga (APC) – 5.3%
The data suggests that a significant portion of state security officers are leaning towards John Mahama due to concerns about recruitment and promotions, career progression, and the relationship between the government and security agencies.”
The survey identified three primary factors influencing voting intentions:
- Recruitment and Promotions – Security officers expressed dissatisfaction with current practices, citing a lack of transparency and fairness.
- Appointment of Security Heads – Respondents stressed concerns over politicization in the appointment process.
- Career Development – Officers indicated a desire for improved capacity-building opportunities and clearer academic and career advancement paths.
These factors are critical because they directly affect the morale and efficiency of security personnel. Addressing these issues should be a priority for any incoming government.
While the survey revealed some skepticism about the electoral process, the majority of security officers expressed readiness to fulfil their duties during the elections.
A significant proportion (37%) of respondents were from the Ghana Police Service, followed by the military (22.7%), prison service (14.5%), and fire and immigration services (12.9% each).
With just days to the December 7 general elections, the findings highlight the pivotal role security officers will play in ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.
According to the researchers, Dr Adam Bonaa, President of the Institute of Security Safety and Policy Research-ISSAPR and Dr Nana Yaw Akwada of the Bureau of Public Safety, election security is not just about protecting polling stations but about ensuring the trust and confidence of the public in the entire process.
Security officers’ readiness and satisfaction, they stressed, are critical to achieving this.
