It is a punishable offence to tear party posters- NCCE

Nkoranza (BA) Aug. 19, GNA - Mr Yaw Effah Manu, Nkoranza District Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has warned that the destruction of posters of political parties and aspiring candidates is a serious electoral offence and perpetrators would be punished severely when caught.

Addressing about 30 activists of the National Democratic Congress, New Patriotic Party and Convention Peoples Party at a forum at Nkoranza, he deplored the practice by some youth to destroy posters that belong to other parties.

"All those with such questionable behaviours must either change or have themselves to blame, as they would be creating problems for themselves," Mr Manu said.

The forum was aimed at educating the party activists on the need for tolerance for peaceful and successful elections in December.

Mr Manu stressed the need for the leadership of the political parties to seek the approval of house owners before they pasted their posters on their buildings to avoid challenges and confusion. He said NCCE was committed to ensuring that this year's elections would be free, fair, peaceful and successful in order to sustain the peace and stability in the country.

"Officials of the Commission are reaching the people at their doorsteps and educating them on the 'dos and don'ts' about elections to ensure that the youth would comport themselves and shun acts that could cause violence in the communities," the District Director said.

Mr Manu called on party leaders to educate members against hurling insults and provocative statements on opponents to avoid misunderstandings in the communities.

The District Director advised the leaders to request for Police permits for their campaigns, so that they would receive the necessary guidelines for the success of their programmes.

He also called on the party leaders to ensure that their party executives and polling agents were educated adequately on the electoral laws, so that they would perform to expectation.

Mr Manu called on opinion leaders such as religious leaders, traditional authorities, assembly members and area councilors to spread the good news about peace and tolerance at all places.

He appealed to media practitioners to guard against sensationalism to avoid creating unnecessary confusion in the communities.