Asa B: National security is tight, alert

The Minister of Information, Stephen Asamoah Boateng has called on all Ghanaians to ensure peace before and after this year's general elections.

Asa B, uncharacteristic of him, yesterday mounted a pulpit at the Ministry of Information and quoted from Exodus 5:1 which says "let my people go'.

The Minister on quoting the holy Bible said Ghanaians should all confront Satan with God"s simple message so as to move Ghana forward in unity.

According to him, that this year's election falls on Sunday, December 7, 2008, is significant and should unite all Ghanaians in their belief of the power of God and or Allah to guide them.

He pointed out that majority of Ghanaians believe in the power of God and or Allah to see the country through a successful elections.

"We are very much aware that it is during times like these that the devil mischievously finds work to do. We all pray that no Ghanaian becomes a vehicle for anything that would lead to the disturbances of the peace in the country,' he emphasised.

Addressing media personnel at the last edition of the weekly meet the press series in Accra, Mr Asamoah Boateng asked all to support the Electoral Commission in their preparations towards the election

He appealed to all to submit to the principles and rules governing the elections and maintain the integrity of the Electoral Commission that has been tried and tested in elections since1992.

According to him, government has absolute trust in the security agencies and trust that they do their work effectively, adding, 'Government wishes to put on record that we trust the Security command structure to work effectively and efficiently during this period'.

He also appealed to the general public to cooperate with the security agencies by reporting those in their midst who might be preparing to cause trouble.

Mr. Asamoah Boateng further challenged radio, and television presenters to be fair and firm when dealing with callers who call on their programmes and the panelists who are invited to give their views about topics under discussion.

He observed that 'being on the [media] platform must not be seen as a right but a privilege and opportunity to reach to a wider audience.'

The Minister reiterated that media reports should be made with a high sense of responsibility, be fair and accurate in order to avoid inflaming passions unnecessarily.

He said all leaders of competing political parties and independent candidates must exercise decorum, restraint and cope with the tension and pressures before, during and after election. 

Mr. Asamoah Boateng appealed to all Ghanaians to conduct themselves well towards the December elections and 'prove to the doubting Thomases that our democracy is strong and can withstand any fierce competitive test'.