National Peace Council expresses worry over violence at registration centres

Koforidua, April 19, GNA - The National Peace Council (NPC) has expressed worry over violence that has characterized the ongoing voter registration at some registration centres in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, Brong Ahafo and Northern Regions.

This was contained in a statement issued by the NPC in Accra and signed by Most Reverend Professor Emmanuel Asante, Chairman of the Councill.

“The NPC condemns in no certain terms, all acts of violence that have characterized the ongoing voter registration. The Council equally condemns the brutalities meted out to fellow citizens, irrespective of their party affiliation”.

It commended those regions where the exercise had been peaceful.

The statement noted that the biometric registration is a monumental achievement by the country in its consolidation of democratic development.

It said that singular feat was worth commendation, especially the Electoral Commission (EC), and the political parties for cooperation and collaboration that had led to the adoption of the biometric registration process.

“Regrettably, the NPC has observed that in some instances, notable political leaders, have engaged their political opponents in verbal insults, inciting violence through hate speeches and statements”.

It said media reports had it that rampaging youth in certain constituencies suspected to be supporters of some political parties, carried offensive weapons and move about threatening to visit mayhem on people they perceive to be their political opponents all under the guise of ensuring that perceived minors, aliens or non-residents would not register.

The statement noted that there seemed to be a breakdown of law and order with some pretending to be above the law and others taking the law into their own hands.

It said the issues of violence that had emerged from the ongoing registration exercise were unacceptable.

“Electoral violence is not an inherent part or feature of any democracy in the world. Clearly, political differences cannot be resolved through molestations and abuses”.

The statement appealed to the law enforcement agencies to exhibit professionalism and neutrality in the discharge of their duties.

It said the NPC recognizes and respects the mandates of the EC and the police adding that their professional ability to deal with various situations within their mandate domains cannot be doubted over the years.

“It is worrying that, as a nation, we seem to have traded our sense of objectivity for partisan subjectivity when it comes to the issues of justice, law and order and the enforcement of same”.

The statement said while people are quick to justify condemnable acts of violence and criminality by their followers or party members, they are too quick to condemn the same acts of violence by their political opponents.

The Council appealed to the security agencies to investigate all violations as well as violence committed by supporters of political parties and bring them to justice without delay.

It also urged the political leadership from all sides to play a crucial role by bringing their supporters to order.

It noted that it is their responsibility to resolve tensions through peaceful means.

“The Council is of the view that peace has always been among humanity's highest values; that the most disadvantageous peace is better than the most just war. Violence has never produced peace”.

It said violence may force a semblance of peace, but violence will always be violence.

To that end, the statement called on all political parties and their agents, supporters and sympathizers, the law enforcement agencies, especially the police, to ensure that justice and peace prevail in Ghana before, during and after the elections.

It also appealed to the media, both print and electronic, to ensure that their reportage and political discussions promote understanding of the values of political diversity, conflict sensitivity, trust, tolerance, confidence building, negotiation, mediation, dialogue and reconciliation.

GNA