Eastern Regional Police Command assures politicians of protection

Koforidua, April 25, GNA - The Eastern Regional Police command has pledged to uphold the dignity as well as protect the human rights of all contestants in the December election. At a meeting organized for representatives of political parties in the region, the command also affirmed its determination to apply the laws fairly, but firmly in order to uphold law and order in the run-up to the election.

The meeting attended by representatives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Convention People's Party (CPP) was to create a platform to discuss security issues that may crop-up to ensure a peaceful election in line with democratic tenets.

Also attending were officials of the Electoral Commission (EC) civil society groups, security agencies and the media.

Addressing the meeting Eastern Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police George Anko-Bil, appealed to political parties to conduct their activities within the confines of the law.

He urged political parties to avail themselves with the provisions of the Public Order Act, the Public Elections Regulations and the Code of Conduct for political parties so as to carry out their canvassing in an atmosphere devoid of rancour and bitterness.

He said the most important concern was how stakeholders would appreciate the role of the police in the conduct of elections to make it peaceful, free and fair and devoid of strife.

Mr Anko-Bil appealed to political parties to step up education of their supporters to refrain from the do and die perceptions of elections." "he cardinal point should be that Ghana our motherland is our only safe haven and nothing should be done to disturb the peace.