National Security will soon inaugurate a National Election Taskforce to be headed by the Inspector General of Police, Paul Tawiah Quaye to map out strategies and ensure a peaceful election.

Mr Patrick Timbillah, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Greater Accra Region, who announced this in Accra on Thursday at the inauguration of Eminent Persons Group (EPG), explained that the taskforce would be made up of all the security agencies in the country.

He said the taskforce would involve, the police, immigration, fire service, military, among others and would be also be launched at the district and regional capitals, all in the effort to maintain and ensure a peaceful atmosphere in the election year.

He also called for a strong and vibrant civil society groups like the EPG who would not hesitate to speak to issues as well as to condemn wrong doings in the society to deter others from fomenting troubles during the elections.

He said the door of the Police Administration were opened to engage all those peace seeking stakeholders and ensure that Ghana continue to remain peaceful after the elections.

In a related development, Dr Emmanuel Akwetey, Executive Secretary of the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) speaking on the formation of the EPG, said in an era where most people had doubts about politicians, there was the need for such an eminent group who could intervene in the situation to bring some trust and hope to the people.

He said it was important that the police made every effort to contain any violence that might occur warning that “should the police fail to do so, it would be bad signal for our stability”.

He said it would also be very bad for Ghana to allow the military to intervene in the name of seeking or ensuring peace and that it was extremely important that Ghana did not return to military rule like her neighbours in the sub-region.

Dr Akwetey commended the Christian Council for setting up such an eminent group who would intervene in national affairs and be respected by all.

The Reverend Dr Fred Deegbe, General Secretary of the Christian Council, inaugurated the 13-member group made up of regions leaders and state men and women who would serve as a proactive group to engage relevant stakeholders to ensure peaceful elections.**