Volta Police Commander reassures politicians of police protection

Mr. Alex Bedie, Volta Regional Police Commander, on Tuesday reassured politicians of police protection as they campaigned towards the forthcoming general elections.

He said there would be no need for them (politicians) to engage gangs and macho men to intimidate others, since that practice is no more fashionable.

Mr. Bedie, who was speaking at the inauguration of the Volta Regional Election Task Force in Ho, however urged politicians to inform the police about their activities, such as durbars and meetings, to enable the police to plan for their protection.

“We promise to provide security for every contestant, the only thing is that, approach us (police) when organizing programmes, rallies and other gatherings,” the Police Commander stated.

He conceded the job was “herculean” but stressed that the police had gained experience, election after election since 1992, and was therefore poised to watch over the December 2012 polls much better than before.

Mr. Bedie said the police and other security services would be trained to put up their best during the elections.

He said part of the training would be simulation exercises.

Institutions forming the task force include the military, fire, immigration and prison services and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

Major Selom Amengor, Second-In-Command, 66 Artillery Regiment in Ho, said his Unit was ready to commit troops to support the Police as done in the past.

He said from experience, one way of pre-empting riotous behaviour at the polling stations was impressing on trouble causers that, any occurrence that affected the integrity of the voting could result in the annulment of balloting and fresh voting ordered.

Mr. Henry Ametefe, Deputy Volta Regional Minister said government would support the security forces to make the 2012 elections one of the cleanest.