VR gets 2008 political parties code enforcement body

Ho, Aug. 10, GNA-An eight member Volta Regional enforcement body to ensure all political parties in the region adhere to the 2008 political parties code of conduct in the December general elections was inaugurated on Saturday.

The committee has Madam Laurentia Kpatakpa, Volta Regional Director of the Electoral Commission, as its Chairperson and Madam Annie Sapati, Regional Director of the National Commission on Civic Education as Secretary.

Other members include Mr Prince Ahiadzro, Volta Regional Chairman of the Convention Peoples Party, Madam Mercy Vidzah, Volta Regional Women's Organizer, Peoples National Convention and Mr. Modestus Ahiable, Volta Regional Chairman, National Democratic Congress.

The rest are Mr Charles Tetteh, Volta Regional 1st Vice Chairman, New Patriotic Party, Mr Manfred Nuku Dei, Regional Secretary, Democratic Freedom Party and Mr Kofi Kumi, a representative from the National Peace Council.

The committee, among other things, will deliberate on issues concerning breaches of the code such as abuse of incumbency, defacing of posters, biased media reportage, campaign violence and the use of provocative language, insults and personal attacks. All abuses would be reported to the national enforcement body for appropriate action.

Brigadier General Francis Agyemfra (rtd), a Senior Fellow of the Institute of Economic Affairs who inaugurated the Committee urged the members to ensure a level playing field for all the political parties for a free, fair and credible campaign and elections.

He expressed worry about reports of violence in some parts of the region during the voters registration exercise and asked the committee to be proactive in its work to forestall such occurrences in the future. Madam Kpatakpa on behalf of the Committee lauded the IEA for the initiative and underscored the need for all political parties to play their respective roles in maturing the country's democracy. She advised stakeholders to work harder to make the December elections successful.