Religious leaders advised not to campaign for political parties

Religious leaders have been admonished against using their platforms to preach partisan politics.

The practice, which has the tendency to divide members, can also breed animosity, rumour and bitterness, thereby undermining the spirit of fraternity among religious groups, Sir Dennis Adjei, a Kumasi-based Legal Practitioner has cautioned.

He made these remarks on Thursday at a regional electoral security taskforce meeting in Kumasi.

The meeting, attended by the Ashanti Regional Police Command and other opinion leaders, was on the effective and peaceful conduct of the upcoming elections.

The 17-member Task Force made up of the Security Personnel, including the Police, Military, Customs and the Immigration, is headed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP), Kwaku Ayesu Opare-Addo, Regional Commander.

Sir Dennis, a Knight of the Catholic Church, reiterated that religious leaders are seen as symbols of peace and unity hence, they should not do anything that would tarnish that image.

Other speakers called on the Police to ensure that District Chief Executives do not misuse their power to prevent their political opponents from campaigning.

They also suggested that politics on radio especially phone-in-programmes should be temporarily banned three days before voting in order not to stoke violence.

DCOP Opare-Addo asked the Inter-Party Advisory Committee to act as intermediary between their supporters for a peaceful election which would make the work of the Police easier.

He warned that the Police would not allow electoral materials to be toyed with and therefore stressed that no vehicle with party colours, unregistered or with foreign numbers, would be allowed at any polling station, saying they would be seized if found around.