Ofosu Ampofo calls for an emergency IPAC meeting

Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Minister for Local Government and Rural Development on Monday called on the Electoral Commission to convene an Inter-Party Advisory Committee meeting to iron out issues that have surfaced in the on-going biometric registration.

He has also directed all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, throughout the country, to provide canopies and make sitting arrangements for the elderly during the registration exercise.

Mr Ampofo made this call when he addressed the Church of Pentecost annual Easter Conventions at separate functions at Tema and Nungua, both in the Greater Accra Region.

The Conventions provided the Christians a platform to share ideas and prayer sessions on issues concerning Easter and other Christian doctrines.

The Local Government Minister, who is also an Elder of the Church, said, the current situation where there were rampant breakdowns of equipment coupled with other natural interruptions, there was the need for members of the IPAC to meet to take a collective decision on the exercise.

“Currently, there is a polling station at Tema Community 11, whose equipment broke down for three consecutive days, so in the event that the exercise ends and many people are not registered in the area, will there be any way that will enfranchise them”,? He questioned.

He explained that, there were a lot of challenges that needed immediate attention before the completion of the exercise and hoped the EC would act swiftly to avoid negative repercussions in the exercise.

Mr Ampofo said the numerous queues that were recorded, needed special canopies that would help the elderly to be comfortable before taking their turns in the exercise, hence the call for erection of canopies and seats.

Apostle A. L Angu, one of the Senior Pators at the Tema District of the Church, called on Christians to educate others against violence before, during and after the 2012 elections.

“I pray that every Ghanaian will demonstrate his love for peace and unity by adhering to the words “Ghana for peace throughout the electioneering process,” he added.**