Send agents with good character - Aggrey-Fynn

Wa, Nov. 18, GNA - Mr. Ebenezer Aggrey-Fynn, a Member of the Electoral Commission (EC), on Monday called on political parties to nominate people of integrity and good character as their polling agents. People of questionable characters would be a disservice to their parties and cast a slur on their chances of winning elections, he said. Mr. Aggrey-Fynn was addressing a seminar for 52 people on the December 2004 general elections, at Wa.

It was also to train trainers and equip the participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to instruct polling agents. The seminar, which was also to familiarise the trainers with the role of polling agents during elections, was organised by the Upper West Regional Directorate of the EC.

It was sponsored by United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Royal Netherlands Embassy and KAB Governance Consult.

The EC Member urged the parties to send participants to such programmes to educate polling agents against malpractices during polls.

Mr. Aggrey-Fynn expressed concern about people making allegations against the EC without first cross checking, saying, the Commission was opening its doors to every citizen to verify issues.

He advised media practitioners not to hesitate to cross check facts about the Commission from the EC before publishing them.

Mr. C.O. Addei, a Director of the Commission who took the participants through the role of polling agents, positioning and responsibilities urged them to bury their political differences and work together as Ghanaians.

"Remember our main goal is to ensure that the December 7, general elections is held peacefully all over the country without rancour and bitterness."

Mr. Paul Boateng, Regional Director of the EC, called especially on radio stations to contact electoral offices for clarification anytime there were allegations against the Commission.