Human rights' groups urged to focus on Ghana's elections

Accra, Nov. 24, GNA - Mr Charles Biney of the National Patriotic Party (NPP) Dallas United States branch, on Monday called on human rights and pro- democracy groups to redirect their attention on Ghana's December 7, 2008 general elections. "We need to be extra vigilant and pray for peace because we are all aware of the PNDC's (Peoples National Defence Council) track record in terms of unleashing violence on people." he said. Mr Biney, who also described himself as a human rights activist, said this when he addressed a news conference organized by the Tertiary Student Confederation (TESCON) of the NPP in Accra. He alleged that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had claimed victory prematurely on the basis of a campaign thrill and promised violence if it loses the election.

Mr Biney noted that in less than two weeks Ghanaians would be voting to make a choice and the decision of who became the president would tell how issues such as diseases, poverty, and social justice would be addressed.

He told the youths to be vigilant on December 7, and ensured violence free election adding the country does not want to go back to the 1980's and 1990's and their attendants barbaric acts such as striping and flocking people in public, unlawful seizure of properties, disappearances and murder. "I am choking back tears as I remember where we were yesteryear and how far we have come today. Just a few years ago, this gathering will have been impossible vis-=E0-vis the draconian policies of the then neo-fascist PNDC dictatorship - the progenitor of the NDC," Mr Biney said. He urged the media to continue playing the invaluable role that had enabled the country to consolidate its current constitutional order. Mr Biney appealed to the electorates to vote for Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo, the NPP's Presidential Candidate since he is an independent minded person, a human rights activist and pro-democracy advocate. 24 Nov. 08