We’ll deal with anyone who incites violence in December polls — Interior Minister warns

The Interior Minister, Henry Quartey has stated that law enforcement agencies will deal with anyone seeking to incite violence in the upcoming general elections scheduled for December 7.

Mr. Quartey gave the warning while speaking at the commissioning of a new police station at the Criminal Investigations Department headquarters in Accra on Wednesday, July 17.

According to the Minister, perpetrators of threats aimed at stirring violence before, during or after the polls will face the full rigors of the law.

“Very soon, and I repeat, very soon, under the False Publication Act, anybody who makes threatening statements to incite violence before, during and after the elections, we will make sure the law deals with the person, and a court of competent jurisdiction will work,” Mr. Quartey stated.

“No violence before, during and after the elections, so, if there’s anybody who is thinking so, please rehash your strategy,” the minister stressed.

The minister's comments come amid concerns over the potential for unrest surrounding the December polls.

Analysts have been predicting a keenly contested election between the governing New Patriotic Party candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and John Dramani Mahama of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).