ECOWAS concerned over closure of Ghana's borders

Accra, Dec. 27, GNA - The Department of Communications, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Executive Secretariat, has expressed concern over the closure of Ghana's borders two days to the December 28 Presidential election run-off. A release published by the Department, said ECOWAS appreciated efforts of Ghana government to take all appropriate measures to safeguard the territorial integrity and security of the state in a delicate time.

The release, however, said the Department regretted the closure of the country's borders from 6.00am on Friday, 26th December 2008 to 6.00am on Monday, 29, December 2006 without prior warning to the public thus restricting human and vehicular movement across the country's borders, with neighbouring states".

It said while the Secretariat welcomed the concern of the government of Ghana over security in the run up to the election on December 28, it was concerned about the "unnecessary" tension that this action could provoke in the country, particularly in light of the peaceful atmosphere that has prevailed to date.

The release said "Moreover the Secretariat wishes to draw the attention of the Government of Ghana to the consequences that the closure would have and the livelihood of the border communities and on the ECOWAS protocol on the free movement of persons, rights of residents and establishment.

"It may be recalled that the Secretariat asked the Government to endeavour to keep the country's borders opened during elections in one of its recommendations after December 7 2008 elections", the release said.