Election Watch Ghana has condemned the reported use of military uniforms by private security personnel accompanying a political aspirant, calling on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to take action against any aspirant or party member found to have engaged in the practice.

In a statement dated November 10, 2026, the organisation expressed concern over an incident reported on November 9 in which a political aspirant was allegedly accompanied by individuals dressed in military uniforms while providing private security services.

It said although political aspirants, party officials and other political actors could make appropriate security arrangements where necessary, such arrangements must comply with Ghana's laws and regulations governing private security operations.

Election Watch Ghana warned that the use of military or other official state security uniforms by private security personnel could create confusion and undermine public confidence in recognised security institutions.

“Private security personnel wearing military or other official state security uniforms can confuse the public, undermine confidence in legitimate security institutions and create an atmosphere of intimidation and fear,” the statement said.

The organisation further cautioned that bringing private security arrangements resembling official state security operations into party politics could set a dangerous precedent, particularly as Ghana continues efforts to address political vigilantism and unauthorised security groups.

“We must guard against practices that could normalise political intimidation, misuse of security identities or unofficial security structures within political parties,” it added.

It stressed that internal party elections must be peaceful, fair, transparent and respectful, adding that no aspirant should maintain security arrangements that create the impression of a parallel security structure.

Election Watch Ghana has consequently called on the NDC leadership to take the matter seriously and act appropriately if any aspirant or party member is found to have engaged private security personnel wearing military uniforms or other unauthorised state security attire.

It also urged the party to make clear that its internal electoral rules prohibit practices of "engaging private security personnel dressed in uniforms reserved for recognised state security institutions; using military insignia, badges, ranks or other official security identifiers without lawful authorisation; establishing or deploying unofficial security groups to accompany, protect or intimidate opponents on behalf of political aspirants; and making security arrangements that create fear, intimidation or unnecessary tension among party members, delegates, supporters or the public".

The organisation maintained that compliance with these rules should be a fundamental requirement for every aspirant and called for disciplinary measures against established violations, regardless of the individual's standing within the party.

Beyond the party leadership, Election Watch Ghana has drawn the attention of the Ministry of the Interior, the Ghana Police Service and other relevant state institutions to the reported incident.

It urged the authorities to investigate the circumstances, determine whether any laws or regulations have been breached and take appropriate action if violations are confirmed.

“Authorities should act early to prevent such practices from becoming widespread or escalating into more serious security threats,” it added.

The organisation also called for consistent enforcement of the rules governing private security companies, particularly those relating to the use of official security identifiers, insisting that no individual, political party or aspirant is above the law.

Election Watch Ghana further encouraged political aspirants to ensure that their campaigns are driven by ideas, policies, competence and the confidence of the electorate rather than displays of force, intimidation or the inappropriate use of security personnel.

It urged all aspirants to act responsibly, respect the country's laws and avoid practices that could turn political activities into breeding grounds for vigilantism and unlawful security arrangements.

“Political ambition must never come before national security, public order and the rule of law,” the organisation stressed, adding that Ghana's peace and democratic stability must always come first.