Kumasi, Nov. 12, GNA - Security agencies in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, held a conference in Kumasi to brainstorm and strategise towards ensuring peaceful elections on December 7, 2008. Representatives of the various security agencies were sensitised on their responsibilities and roles before, during and after the elections by the Electoral Commission (EC).

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP), Kwaku Opare Ayesu Opare-Addo, Ashanti Regional Police Commander, said a successful election to some extent depended on the conduct of security agencies during the polls.

He, therefore, cautioned them to maintain high professional standards in the discharge of their duties to retain the integrity and image of the various security agencies.

DCOP Opare-Addo said, under no circumstances should representatives of the security agencies involve themselves in ballot counting, discrimination and harassment of the electorate. Major Richard Amponsem Boateng, Officer Commanding the Fourth Battalion Infantry Brigade (4BN) Rear, said the security agencies would soon embark on a simulation and practical exercise to enhance their readiness for the task ahead.

He said, the exercise aimed at anticipating some skirmishes during the elections and how the security forces were expected to respond to them in a manner that would not breach the constitution and the rights of the electorate.

Mr Kofi Asomani, Ashanti Regional Director of the EC, said it was imperative that the electorates collaborated effectively with security agencies for free and fair elections.