Be neutral and professional - House of Chiefs challenges security agencies

The National House of Chiefs has challenged the nation's security agencies, especially the Police, to always remain neutral and professional in the discharge of their mandate in the run-up to the crucial December polls.

 
The challenge was contained in a press release signed by Wulugu Naba Pugansoa Naa Professor John S. Nabila, President of the House.

 
“We hope and pray that the security agencies will do their work without fear of favour and always remain neutral as required by the laws of the nation,” the release stressed.

 
The release also expressed worry about the increasing use of indecent and intemperate language by politicians on the airwaves and in the print media, adding that the unhealthy practice was “stoking unnecessary tension in the country.”

 
The chiefs reminded all and sundry that “Ghana is the only country we have”, stressing that it was “imperative for all to desist from acts that are likely to cause fear, panic and undermine our peace.”

 
  “The National House of Chiefs, as fathers of the nation and custodians of our traditions and culture, is therefore appealing to all Ghanaians, irrespective of their political interests, religious or ethnic differences to try to desist from negative tendencies, especially as we progress towards the 2012 presidential and parliamentary elections,” the release appealed.

 
It added: “Ghanaians have been noted worldwide for their hospitality, peaceful behaviour, courtesy and diplomacy in the wake of threatening moments. Much is expected of us and we should control our temper in the face of any provocations so as to remain steadfast in the national interest.”

 
  The chiefs condemned the violence and atrocities being perpetrated by some members of political parties against some innocent citizens in the ongoing biometric registration exercise and called on the police to take steps to deal with the situation.

 
The release urged the media to be circumspect in their reportage, stressing the need for them to be objective and careful in their choice of words in the performance of their job.