IGP, Jean Mensa Promise Peaceful Elections

Jean Mensa in a handshake with IGP George Akuffo Dampare

 

The Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, yesterday called on the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) Ms. Jean Mensa, during which visit both pledged working towards a peaceful and transparent election in December.

“We’re here to listen to you to know the concerns that you have in the area of security ahead of the elections, so that we can position ourselves to resolve all of them.

“Already the national election security taskforce is working with all relevant stakeholders, and we will continue to do more to ensure that our country continues to remain peaceful before, during and after the polls,” the IGP said.

Ms. Jean Mensa, on her part, welcomed the Police Chief and described the engagement as part of the EC’s programmes of engagements.

She described yesterday’s meeting as yet another opportunity to ensure a peaceful and transparent election.

According to her, both institutions regard this year’s elections as crucial, for which reason the EC is poised to deliver transparent and fair elections.

“While the EC is the midwife that births peaceful and transparent elections, the police have a duty to ensure that this takes place in a peaceful atmosphere,” she said.

Over the years, the EC has together with the Elections Security taskforce worked to ensure the sanctity of polls in the country and these have resulted in successful outcomes, according to her.

She pointed at the Kumawu and Assin North by-elections as cases in point of such successes.

She charged the police to ensure the sanctity of elections by not allowing minors and foreigners into our electoral register.

Ms. Mensa demanded the support of the police, from the printing of the ballots to the declaration of results.

She promised to continue with the “Let the Citizens Know” programme, so Ghanaians will follow and appreciate developments.

Continuing, she called on the police to ensure that those who breach the electoral laws are prosecuted swiftly, although she added that the final say lies with the judiciary.

Swift action on the part of the relevant institutions when the electoral laws are breached will enhance the confidence of the citizens in state institutions.

By Ebenezer K. Amponsah

Read Full Story