Bolgatanga, Nov. 27, GNA – Alhaji Hamidu Mahama, Upper East Regional Police Commander, on Thursday urged the leadership of political parties to abide by laid-down rules regarding the conduct of campaigns, rallies and other political activities in the interest of peace and order. He said even though the police were working round the clock to ensure a trouble-free election, their efforts would yield no meaningful results if they did not get the co-operation of political party leaders and their followers. Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Bolgatanga, Alhaji Hamidu noted that party executives in the regional offices or national headquarters were required to notify the police about impending visits of presidential candidates to the region. He said this should be done at least five days in advance to enable the police to make adequate security preparations, but which most of the parties had contravened. “If a party leader arrives in the region unannounced it puts us in a rather difficult position as it compels us to act in a rush, but that is not the best in matters of security,” he said. Alhaji Hamidu stressed the need for visiting party leaders to heed the advice given them by security agencies. The regional police boss urged the police personnel “to be alive to their responsibilities at all times,” particularly in the run-up to the December polls, to help create a conducive atmosphere for a successful election. “I expect the police and other security agencies to exhibit professionalism, with a non-partisan approach to their duties, and to provide protection for voters, staff of the Electoral Commission, and other recognised stakeholders present, he said. 27 Nov. 08
Source: GhanaWeb
