Opposition parties advise to alert DCEs of visits to their leaders

Saltpond (C/R), May 19, GNA - The District Chief Executive for Mfantseman, Mr. Robert Quainoo-Arthur, has appealed to leaders of political parties, especially their flag bearers to inform DCEs of their visits to their areas to enable them to ensure that the necessary security was provided for them.

Mr. Quainoo-Arthur said Ghana's democracy had gone far and there was no need to regard political opponents as enemies. He said DCEs should not be regarded as enemies, adding, "We are prepared to receive any leader of any political party". The DCE made the call in an interaction with the Saltpond District Police Commander, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Chachawucha Mensah, to find out the security arrangements they had made for Professor John Atta-Mills, the flag bearer of the NDC, when he visited Mfantseman District last week.

Mr. Quainoo-Arthur said paying courtesy calls on DCEs could build a bridge between the ruling party and the opposition parties. "After all we are all fighting for the betterment of Ghanaians, why should we treat ourselves like enemies?" he asked.

He expressed regret that the leadership of NDC in the district did not find it necessary to inform him about the visit, stressing that DCEs would have a stake in resolving security problem, which might arise during such visits.

He called for peaceful and matured campaign in the run up to the general elections.

DSP Mensah reminded the political parties to observe the five-day notice, as enshrined in the Public ACT, which enjoined them to inform the police before any political event could be held.