Election Security Task Force reviews political violence

Page 17: September 12, 2008.
Story: Albert K. Salia
THE National Election Security Task Force has reviewed the violence that characterised the recent voter registration exercise and has accordingly instituted measures to prevent a recurrence on voting day.
In this regard, the task force will next Tuesday, September 16, 2008, outline security arrangements for the forthcoming general election in December.
Members of the task force, which is chaired by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr P. K. Acheampong, would also be introduced to the public. All the country’s security agencies are represented on the task force.
The task force would outline their role in the management of the security aspect of the elections at all polling stations in the 230 constituencies.
It would also address issues relating to the patrols and use of arms at polling stations and other election designated sites.
Meanwhile, the IGP has summoned all Police Regional Commanders and their crime officers to an emergency meeting in Accra today.
The Regional Commanders meeting, which would be attended by the Headquarters Management Advisory Board, is to discuss security issues relating to the electioneering.
The Director of Police Public Affairs, DSP Kwesi Ofori, told the Daily Graphic that the two meetings were crucial, particularly as the campaigns were getting heated.
He said the IGP would challenge the Regional Commanders to ensure that they and their subordinates approached their work in a non-partisan manner so as to instil confidence in the police before, during and after the elections.
He said already the police were providing security at campaign rallies and meetings of political parties and their leaders.
DSP Ofori appealed for public support and co-operation, particularly from the political parties and their leaders, to ensure a possible incident-free elections.