Security Task Force Cautions Media

The Western Regional Electoral Security Task Force (WRESTF) has expressed concern over the heightened political tension resulting partly from unguarded utterances by political activists and some social commentators on radio discussion programmes.

It has, therefore, urged all media houses in the region to exercise their gate-keeping role by editing inflammatory and unguarded statements in their programmes in order not to inflame passions.

A statement said the activities of some keep fit clubs had given rise for concern as they undermined the Public Order Act.

The statement, therefore, advised organisers of special events such as carnivals, processions and parades to comply with the law.

"Recent incidents as those that happened in Tamale, Cape Coast, Old Fadama, Agbogbloshie and in our own region, Sefwi Akontombra, suggest that if stakeholders do not take prompt and appropriate measures, these may escalate into general violence that may throw the integrity of the forthcoming elections into serious doubt," it stated.

It recalled that the country had gone through four peaceful democratic elections without any hitch, yet with the approach of the fifth general election in December utterances such as 'this is a crucial election', 'mother of all elections', 'this is a do-or-die affair', among others, should alert all Ghanaians not to take anything for granted as we prepared for the elections.

 The statement said, the international community held Ghana in high esteem as far as elections and democratic practices were concerned, adding, "We should, therefore, strive to maintain this enviable standard."