IGP asks Politicians to ensure peaceful elections

Takoradi, March 16 GNA - Nana Owusu Nsiah, Inspector General of Police (IGP), on Tuesday called on political parties to aim at preserving the peace and stability in the country during and after Election 2004.

He made the call at forum organised for Political Party Activists, Police and the Media on the security arrangements made for the elections as part of his two-day visit to the Western Region in Takoradi.

Nana Nsiah said governments were formed through political parties and elections but "as soon as elections are over, it becomes the responsibility of every citizen to assist the government to develop the nation".

He said: "We should make it our aim to work together in peace and tranquillity so that Ghana will move forward."

Nana Nsiah, therefore, urged executives of the political parties to explain the provisions of the Public Order Act to their members and ensure that their members were mindful of their utterances and publications in their electioneering campaigns and to respect the laws of the land.

He asked the Media to assist the Police to maintain peace and order in the country by publishing only materials that would bring peace and development and not inflame passions. Nana Nsiah said the doors of his administration were open to the Media and they should feel free to seek clarification and information. He said the Police would accept genuine and responsible criticism because as a human institution, it was likely to make mistakes but would "resist any attempt by the Media to undermine the security of the nation through irresponsible utterances and publications".

Nana Nsiah said the Police Administration had established a Community Police Unit in an attempt to forge friendly relationship with the Media and the Public.

He said every District Commander should ensure that the unit was established and that more neighbourhood watch committees were set up in every community.

Nana Nsiah said Police personnel should be focused in their work and be seen to be professional in their approach to their duties adding, "We need to be loyal to the government and people of this nation". "With the massive support that we have received from government, we have no cause to fail this nation", he said.

Nana Nsiah told the Police to be neutral in the performance of their duties and to desist from selective justice.

He urged them to improve upon their performance and develop a positive attitude to work, treat members of the public with civility and diligence.

Mr. Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, commended the IGP for touring the country to sensitise the public on tolerance and mutual co-operation to ensure free and fair elections.

He said the civil society had to complement the effort of the Police in maintaining peace, order and security during the elections. Mr Aidoo said Regional Security Council (REGSEC) was fully behind the Police in ensuring incident-free elections in the Region. He appealed to Members of Parliament to educate their supporters to tolerate people with divergent political views so as not to disrupt the elections.

Earlier, Nana Nsiah had paid a courtesy call on Mr Aidoo at the Residency at Sekondi. 16 March 04