Commission condemns violence during voters' registration exercise

Kumasi, Sept 15, GNA - The African Commission for Health and Human Rights Promoters, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has condemned the violence, malpractices and vandalism that characterized the recent voters' registration exercise and the on-going electioneering campaigns in some parts of the country.

It said what transpired at those centres especially the alleged registration of minors, double registration, and unwarranted attacks on some party agents had proved that many Ghanaians were ignorant of their civic responsibilities and rights.

This was contained in a statement signed by Mr George Ayisi-Boateng and Mr G. K. Appiah, Ashanti Regional President and Secretary respectively of the Commission and issued in Kumasi on Monday. The statement stressed the need for stakeholders to partner the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) to effectively educate Ghanaians on their civic rights and responsibilities to enable them make informed decisions during the elections.

"Learning to know about your right helps one to respect the rights of others," it said, noting that the building of a peaceful society rest on the tolerance of divergent views for a prosperous Ghana. The statement advised the media to play its role as an independent body and urged them to go about their duties devoid of hostilities, bias and favourtism for peaceful elections in December. It further cautioned the citizenry to unite and co-exist peacefully whiles refraining from unguarded statements and defamation of character.