MP advocates closure of drinking bars on election day

The Member of Parliament for Gomoa West, Mr Francis Kojo Arthur has advocated the closure of all drinking bars and alcohol selling spots on December seven, the day for the 2012 general election.

This, he said, would prevent people from going to the polling stations drunk.

Speaking to a congregation of members of the Catholic Church in Apam Parish at Gomoa Dawurampong where they had converged for confirmation of some youth into the Church, Mr Arthur said elections were about making ones mind known about candidates who were capable of improving the living conditions of the people, which did not warrant any form of violence.

The MP called on Ghanaians to turn up in their numbers on the day of the election to vote, and cautioned them to comport themselves to make the election peaceful.

The Assistant Civic Education Officer at the Cape Coast National Commission for Civic Education, Mr Stephen Agyei-Yeboah also cautioned Ghanaians to desist from teasing members of the vanquished parties when the 2012 election results were announced.

He said teasing could provoke the anger of the losers and that could spark conflict.

He was speaking on the topic: “Ensuring peaceful election in 2012”, and advised politicians to refrain from offensive utterances which could provoke the anger of their opponents when campaigning for votes.

The NCCE Official said as it was one person (Jesus Christ) who brought salvation to mankind, it was also possible that one person through his utterances and actions could bring destruction to a nation.

He pointed out that most civil wars that countries went through were election-related and advised Ghanaians to go and cast their votes on December seven and go home and rest while they waited for the results to be announced.

“As much as possible do not engage in political argument on that day,” he advised.**