Ghana Advices ECOWAS Citizens

Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and NEPAD, Akwasi Osei-Adjei has called on resident Ambassadors of the Economic Committee of West African States (ECOWAS), to advise their nationals to help ensure peaceful elections in Ghana.

'The elections are open to Ghanaians only and the principle of non-interference is to be respected', the Minister told a meeting of the ambassadors in Accra.

A statement from the Foreign Affairs Ministry yesteray said the government of Ghana was committed to ensuring the security of the state and a peaceful and successful election.

'The Electoral Commission and the National Elections Security Task Force have assured the nation that arrangements have been made to ensure a successful election and the prevalence of a peaceful atmosphere during and after the elections'.

Mr Osei-Adjei said it was not the government's intention to close the country's borders to inconvenience the free movement of people and goods. He expressed the hope that neighbouring countries will reciprocate this gesture to check unscrupulous behaviours along the borders.

Mr Osei-Adjei added that peace and stability in West Africa will allow the region attain socio-economic development along with the rest of Africa.

Hassan A Toure, Acting Dean of the ECOWAS Group of Ambassadors, in response, assured the Minister that their nationals will be advised appropriately and also, their countries will not condone any intolerable activities and will act within their competence to help ensure a peaceful and successful election in Ghana.