Police to intensify patrols in conflict areas during Election 2008

Tamale, July 14, GNA - Police personnel in Northern and Upper East Regions would intensify their day and night patrols at polling stations in "flash points and conflicts" areas during Election 2008 to ensure peace.

Commissioner of Police, Ephraim Barakatu, Northern Regional Police Commander announced this at a general security meeting to access the security situation in the three regions and outline plans to ensure maximum security before, during and after Election 2008 at Tamale on Monday.

In attendance were Mr Ofosu-Mensah Gyeabour, Upper East Regional Police Commander and Mr Augustine Gyenning, Upper West Regional Police Commander and some Senior Officers.

They also briefed the meeting on the security situation in their Regions. Commissioner of Police Barakatu, appealed to politicians and representatives of political parties to obey the Public Order Act 491 of 1994 which enjoined organizers of events to notify the police within five clear days in writing before the event. He urged them to educate their supporters to avoid insults, insinuations and other behaviour in their campaign that could mar the election.

COP Barakatu gave the assurance that fair and firm security measures would be applied to the leadership of all political parties that applied for police security. He called on all stakeholders in the election and the media to assist in building and sustaining the peace and security prevailing in the regions and country. 14 July 08