Respect the Public Order Act – Police Commander

Political parties have been reminded to respect the Public Order Act as they prepare for the upcoming December elections.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Augustine Gyening, Ashanti Regional Police Commander, said they should ensure that they informed the police in advance, the date, place and time of any political event they intend to organize.

This, he said, would help to bring about sanity and orderliness and prevent chaotic scenes that could trigger clashes.

DCOP Gyening said this in a speech read for him at a forum organized by Ghana for Peace Association (GHAFPA), a peace advocacy group at the Abbey’s Park in Kumasi.

The programme was aimed at helping the public and the parties to appreciate the need for responsible conduct to make this year’s polls peaceful.

The speakers were from the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Electoral Commission (EC), religious bodies and the regional police command.

DCOP Gyening asked the parties to collaborate effectively with the police and gave the assurance that they would continue to remain neutral, firm and fair in the performance of their duties.

They would do everything to protect the peace and assure the people of their safety.

He warned that the police would act decisively to bring to justice all trouble makers before, during and after the polls.

Mr. Kofi Agyei, Secretary of the Association, said they would intensify the campaign to promote political tolerance.**