Police Chief schools reps of political parties…on Public Order Act 491

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mr. George Ankomah, in charge of the Effiduase Police Command, has stated that the main responsibility of the police was to maintain law and order, and has accordingly advised the public not to harbour any negative perceptions of the police.

“We are partners in the maintenance of law and order,” he told representatives of the political parties at a day's public forum, organised by the National Commission of Civic Education (NCCE) recently at Effiduase.

DSP Ankomah said it was in line with this duty that the public would always have to cooperate with the police during special public events, by respecting the provisions of Public Order Act 491, to enable the police provide adequate security to organisers and the general public.

He said under the Act, the police needed to be informed five clear days before any public activity takes place, and mentioned some these special activities as carnivals, street dance or jams, celebration of festivals, out-dooring of traditional rulers, and political rallies.

The District Director of the NCCE, Mr. Aboagye Okyere, stressed on the need for all eligible voters to come out in their numbers on election day to vote, and make the democratisation process complete and whole.

He said the only way to ensure a peaceful election, was for the political parties to tolerate and respect the views of each other, as well as avoid provocative language and abusive words during campaigns.

Mr. Okyere noted a violence-free election, would go to strengthen Ghana's democracy, and urged the political parties to work for peace, by disregarding the notion that political opponents were enemies.

The NCCE Director cautioned against the habit of defacing or destroying posters of other political parties, because the practice was criminal, and suggested the organisation of sporting activities and games, to foster good relationship among parties and their followers.