Parties , security agents to collaborate on security..April 11

Story : Tim Dzamboe, Ho

Representatives of all political parties in the Volta Region have unanimously fixed every first Wednesday in every month for a meeting to interact with security agencies on matters of concern as regards peaceful election in December this year.
On strategies to ensure peace and order, the security agencies shall form regional election committee with representatives from all sister security agencies in the region.
This was contained in a release signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Volta Region, Mr Bernard Guyiri Dery and issued in Ho last weekend.
This was after a meeting with regional executive members of political parties and security services to discuss ways of creating an enabling political environment for political parties for political campaigns, meetings and processions before, during and after the elections.
The release enjoined all party executives to adhere to the Public Order Act 491 and to accept security advice under the act on the need to relocate venues or change of dates of special events based on cogent and transparent reasons.
It stated that the police may apply the rules of first come first serve or the supremacy of national interest.
It said the security agencies are well prepared to handle all situations and that there was no need to engage “machomen” so far as the December elections was concerned.
The release cautioned against the destruction of posters, banners that will create unnecessary tension and that press releases and statements during political campaigns should contain quality information, facts , figures and not based on rumours and hearsay intended to damage the image of opponents.
It advised the executive members to divorce chieftaincy and religious problems from political activities during campaigns.
It stated that the people of the Volta Region have no problems among themselves and that those who create problems were some of the city dwellers who felt that they were “universal celebrities or repositories of wisdom” who try to influence residents of the region for their selfish interest.
“It is time to identify these people and stop listening to their empty slogans and taunts”, the release said.