Political parties asked to help sustain peace

Sunyani, April 21, GNA- Political parties and their supporters have been asked to be guided by experiences of neighbouring West African countries in political turmoil and help to sustain the peace in the country.

They were also urged to employ dialogue and constitutional means in settling their differences.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) James Oppong-Boanuh, Brong Ahafo Regional Police Commander, gave the advice at a meeting attended by representatives of political parties in the region, in Sunyani. He gave the assurance that the police would abide by electoral laws in carrying out their duties to ensure fair treatment of all political parties.

DCOP Oppong-Boanuh reminded political parties of the Public Order Act, Public Registration of Voters Regulation, 1995 and the Public Registration Election Regulation, 1996.

He allayed fears by some people that the Community Police was formed ostensibly for the impending elections rather than crowd and traffic control duties.

DCOP Oppong-Boanuh said "The Community Police Personnel are under the command and control of the Ghana Police Service and their activities in the region are under my supervision."

He advised the public to respect and cooperate with the police in the performance of their duties.

Present at the meeting were representatives of all the political parties in the region, Assistant Commissioner of Police Charles K. Tokor, Regional Crime Officer, and Superintendent of Police Kwame Barima-Acheampong.