Security personnel schooled on maintaining peace come Dec 7

Foundation for Security and Development (FOSDA) has organized a 2-day peace workshop dubbed “Ghana Election 2012 Ballots –not-Bullets”. The workshop held in Bawku attracted various stakeholders including security agencies, political party representatives, youth groups and traditional leaders among a section of the public.  The Bawku Municipal Police Commander, Chief Supt, Samuel Alordey in a presentation announced that Security Personnel would be detailed at the various polling stations on December 7 general election to ensure a violent free electoral process. According to him, polling stations often referred as “Flash points” or “hot spots” would not be assigned to Fire or Prison Service Personnel but with armed police men. Additionally, there would be patrol team with contact numbers available to respond swiftly to any unfortunate event. Chief Supt Alordey said the country’s security personnel are keen in maintaining law and order before during and after election, expressing their determination to uphold the prevailing peace being enjoyed by citizens of the country. Touching on the relevance of the workshop, Chief Supt Alordey disclosed that such training activities are being undertaken in seven other conflict zones of Northern Ghana. This essence of the workshop, he moreover explained, was informed over concerns raised by some voters that their rights were being trampled upon and often threatened on Election Day all because they live in areas purported to be strongholds of political parties different from their choices. The Municipal Electoral Officer, Mr. Kofi Asante Owusu suggested that the existing training for the security personnel be intensified to equip them  with enough understanding of the electoral processes to avoid unwarranted differences between them and presiding officers at the polling stations.   The Project Co-ordinator of FOSDA, Mr. Sabie Naah Aidana told Radio Ghana that Ballots-not-Bullets has been in existence since 2004 and has over the years contributed in ensuring peaceful elections. As a result the program was replicated in Liberia in 2005 and 2011 and in Serra Leone in 2008 and 2012. In Ghana the program is instituted in conflict zones such as Bawku, Navrongo and Paga in the Upper East Region, Wa in Upper West Region and Yendi, Gushegu and Tamale Metropolis in the Northern Region. Mr. Aidana was happy about participants’ commitment towards peaceful elections this year, having taken them through the possible repercussions of electoral violence. FOSDA’s main agenda is to foster closer collaboration between citizens and security services for sustained peace.

GBC                                                            END                                                                   IA/