THE flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has expressed his appreciation to the people of East Akyem, the Akuapem North and South districts for their continued support for the party over the years.
He said such support from the three districts which made it possible for the party to win the 2000 and 2004 elections to provide social amenities and other poverty alleviation programmes for the people should again be accorded the NPP to win the December 7 elections to enable it to complete its development agenda.
Nana Akufo-Addo expressed his appreciation at two mammoth rallies in Akropong, hometown of his father, and Kyebi, his maternal home.
Nana Akufo-Addo who also visited several towns and villages in the three districts introduced the party’s parliamentary candidates, Messrs Dan Botwe, Okere, William Boafo, Akropong, O. B. Amoah, Aburi-Nsawam and Atta Akyia, Abuakwa South, to the people.
He also paid courtesy calls on the Okuapehene, Oseadeoyo Addo-Dankwa III, Aburihene Otobuor Gyan Kwasi and the Okyehene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, and other traditional leaders.
The NPP flag bearer who was on the last leg of a campaign tour of the Eastern Region was accompanied by Messrs Boakye Agyarko, Yaw Osafo-Maafo, Hackman Owusu Agyeman, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Afram Asiedu and other executive members of the party.
According to Nana Akufo-Addo, the tremendous support by the people in the three districts had enabled the Kufuor Administration to resuscitate the economy which was almost shattered by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Administration, and that such support should again be accorded the NPP to win the elections.
Nana Akufo-Addo stated that it would be suicidal for the NDC to come back to power since they could not do anything beneficial for Ghana. He added that it was only the NPP which was capable of improving the lot of the people.
Nana Akufo-Addo who stated that a lot had been achieved in the past eight years and that the oil find would accelerate the economy, added that everything had been done to exploit the bauxite deposits in the Abuakwa area to provide jobs for the youth and also transform Kyebi, the capital of East Akyem.
“You have over the years supported us to win the previous two elections and we are appealing to you again to support us to win this year’s elections so that I take over from President Kufuor to continue with his good works” Nana Akufo-Addo said.
At Kyebi, Nana Akufo-Addo paid tribute to the founding fathers of the Danquah-Busia tradition, most of who had been laid to rest in the town, and said he decided to be in politics to play his part in fulfilling the dreams of the tradition.
Messrs Osafo-Maafo, Boakye Agyarko and Hackman Owusu Agyeman took turns to canvass for votes for the NPP with Osafo-Maafo giving a vivid explanation of the economy, which according to him had improved tremendously under the NPP.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
OWRAKU AMOFA JOINS NPP (PAGE 17)
A FORMER Deputy Minister of Tourism in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Administration, Mr Owraku Amofa, has joined the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Mr Owraku Amofa, a former executive of the EGLE Party, until the year 2000 when he left the party, who was clad in NPP colours, announced his decision at a mammoth rally to welcome the presidential candidate of the NPP at Kyebi on Wednesday.
Mr Amofa, who, until recently was domiciled in the United States of America, said he decided to join hands with the NPP because they had performed creditably in their almost eight-year administration of the country.
He said while in the United States, he had been following with keen interest and admiration the development projects and other poverty alleviation initiatives in the country, which, according to him, was improving the lot of Ghanaians, adding that “the NPP should be supported to win the December elections to continue with its good works”.
“Although I am not in Ghana, I have been following with keen interest the numerous social amenities such as roads, health and educational facilities, as well as poverty alleviation programmes such as the Capitation Grant, National Health Insurance Scheme and micro-finance schemes that had been made available by the government to the people and I have therefore decided to come back home to support the NPP to win the elections to continue with such initiatives,” Mr Owuraku Amofa said to thunderous applause.
Nana Akufo-Addo, who described Mr Owraku Amofa as a direct relative, said the NPP believed in numbers and indicated that the party would work with him to secure victory at the December polls.
He appealed to members of the NPP to continue to drum home the government’s achievements to convince more people to vote to secure a resounding victory at the polls.
Mr Owraku Amofa, a former executive of the EGLE Party, until the year 2000 when he left the party, who was clad in NPP colours, announced his decision at a mammoth rally to welcome the presidential candidate of the NPP at Kyebi on Wednesday.
Mr Amofa, who, until recently was domiciled in the United States of America, said he decided to join hands with the NPP because they had performed creditably in their almost eight-year administration of the country.
He said while in the United States, he had been following with keen interest and admiration the development projects and other poverty alleviation initiatives in the country, which, according to him, was improving the lot of Ghanaians, adding that “the NPP should be supported to win the December elections to continue with its good works”.
“Although I am not in Ghana, I have been following with keen interest the numerous social amenities such as roads, health and educational facilities, as well as poverty alleviation programmes such as the Capitation Grant, National Health Insurance Scheme and micro-finance schemes that had been made available by the government to the people and I have therefore decided to come back home to support the NPP to win the elections to continue with such initiatives,” Mr Owuraku Amofa said to thunderous applause.
Nana Akufo-Addo, who described Mr Owraku Amofa as a direct relative, said the NPP believed in numbers and indicated that the party would work with him to secure victory at the December polls.
He appealed to members of the NPP to continue to drum home the government’s achievements to convince more people to vote to secure a resounding victory at the polls.
Friday, November 7, 2008
SLAM SCHOOLS FARMERS ON LAND USE (PAGE 39)
SUSTAINABLE Land Administrative Management (SLAM), a body consisting of scientists who have specialised on land management dedicated to the preservation of the ecology, at the weekend, organised a seminar at Koforidua to educate farmers on how best to maintain the ecology of the Eastern Region.
The exercise which forms part of SLAMS’ four-year programme to preserve the ecology, brought together 40 farmers drawn from four districts in the region, namely Atiwa, Upper Manya Krobo, Fanteakwa and Akuapem South.
It was funded jointly by the government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Addressing the participants, the Co-ordinator of SLAM, Professor Edwin A. Gyasi, said since the ecology was being destroyed at an alarming rate, it had become necessary to educate land users, especially farmers, on modern farming practices for the sustenance of the ecology.
Professor Gyasi who took the participants through the various rudiments of environmental preservation, named several factors such as poverty, lack of land policy, weak institutional capacity and inflexible traditional land tenure system as the factors which destroyed the ecology.
He advised the participants to adhere to good farming practices.
Prof Gyasi stated that although Ghana had not been seriously affected by the global warming that was melting the iceberg in the polar region, most of the vegetation cover in the country as well as water bodies were being destroyed.
He stressed that unless land users, especially farmers adhered to good farming practices, the environment would be destroyed in such a way that it would be difficult for future generations to live.
Professor Gyasi, therefore, urged the participants not only to put to practice what they had learnt at the seminar, but must also teach their colleagues in the various communities the best farming practices.
In her welcome address, the acting Southern Sector Co-ordinator of SLAM, Miss Dina Afua Kobe Appiah stated that studies had shown that 70 per cent of the land in Ghana had been subjected to severe erosion.
She said that had been the leading factor undermining productivity in agriculture, loss of biodiversity through deforestation and land degradation, amounting to four per cent of the GDP.
According to her, that could be mainly attributed to tremendous pressure from human population which had been on the rise yearly.
SLAM, she said, had therefore strived, among others, to heal the degraded lands and improve agricultural production to enhance food security.
The exercise which forms part of SLAMS’ four-year programme to preserve the ecology, brought together 40 farmers drawn from four districts in the region, namely Atiwa, Upper Manya Krobo, Fanteakwa and Akuapem South.
It was funded jointly by the government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Addressing the participants, the Co-ordinator of SLAM, Professor Edwin A. Gyasi, said since the ecology was being destroyed at an alarming rate, it had become necessary to educate land users, especially farmers, on modern farming practices for the sustenance of the ecology.
Professor Gyasi who took the participants through the various rudiments of environmental preservation, named several factors such as poverty, lack of land policy, weak institutional capacity and inflexible traditional land tenure system as the factors which destroyed the ecology.
He advised the participants to adhere to good farming practices.
Prof Gyasi stated that although Ghana had not been seriously affected by the global warming that was melting the iceberg in the polar region, most of the vegetation cover in the country as well as water bodies were being destroyed.
He stressed that unless land users, especially farmers adhered to good farming practices, the environment would be destroyed in such a way that it would be difficult for future generations to live.
Professor Gyasi, therefore, urged the participants not only to put to practice what they had learnt at the seminar, but must also teach their colleagues in the various communities the best farming practices.
In her welcome address, the acting Southern Sector Co-ordinator of SLAM, Miss Dina Afua Kobe Appiah stated that studies had shown that 70 per cent of the land in Ghana had been subjected to severe erosion.
She said that had been the leading factor undermining productivity in agriculture, loss of biodiversity through deforestation and land degradation, amounting to four per cent of the GDP.
According to her, that could be mainly attributed to tremendous pressure from human population which had been on the rise yearly.
SLAM, she said, had therefore strived, among others, to heal the degraded lands and improve agricultural production to enhance food security.
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD SCHOOL CHALKS UP 20 (PAGE 39)
THE Assemblies of God schools complex comprising a crèche, nursery, kindergarten, primary and junior high schools at Koforidua has celebrated its 20th anniversary.
The school complex was established in 1988 through the efforts of the late Reverend Jonathan Sarpong Donkor, the then Head Pastor of the Koforidua Central branch of the church who was also the Eastern Regional Superintendent of the church.
Its initial enrolment of 30 at the crèche and nursery levels increased over the years during which the kindergarten, primary and junior high schools were added.
The school complex which currently has a population of more than 400, is now one of the best in the New Juaben Municipality, producing quality students for the best senior high schools (SHS) not only in the municipality, but also in other parts of the country.
Addressing a grand durbar to mark the event on the theme: “Quality Education for Children, the Best Security for Parents,” the Regional Superintendent of the church, the Reverend Alex Ofori Amankwaa, said the church established the school in support of the government’s policy to make education available to every child.
He said initially the school operated on charity, offering full scholarships to about half of the students and pupils relying on the church’s local coffers.
According to Rev Amankwaa, currently, the school charged low fees below what was recommended by the Ghana Education Service to ensure that children of poor parentage could go to school.
The Headmistress of the school, Mrs Christiana Agbetie said due to the disciplinary measures adopted by the school, it had become one of the best in the New Juaben Municipality.
She said the school had produced a number of professionals such as engineers, lawyers, academicians, journalists and businessmen.
The school complex was established in 1988 through the efforts of the late Reverend Jonathan Sarpong Donkor, the then Head Pastor of the Koforidua Central branch of the church who was also the Eastern Regional Superintendent of the church.
Its initial enrolment of 30 at the crèche and nursery levels increased over the years during which the kindergarten, primary and junior high schools were added.
The school complex which currently has a population of more than 400, is now one of the best in the New Juaben Municipality, producing quality students for the best senior high schools (SHS) not only in the municipality, but also in other parts of the country.
Addressing a grand durbar to mark the event on the theme: “Quality Education for Children, the Best Security for Parents,” the Regional Superintendent of the church, the Reverend Alex Ofori Amankwaa, said the church established the school in support of the government’s policy to make education available to every child.
He said initially the school operated on charity, offering full scholarships to about half of the students and pupils relying on the church’s local coffers.
According to Rev Amankwaa, currently, the school charged low fees below what was recommended by the Ghana Education Service to ensure that children of poor parentage could go to school.
The Headmistress of the school, Mrs Christiana Agbetie said due to the disciplinary measures adopted by the school, it had become one of the best in the New Juaben Municipality.
She said the school had produced a number of professionals such as engineers, lawyers, academicians, journalists and businessmen.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
ARMED ROBBERS ATTACK DOCTOR, WOUND WATCHMAN (PAGE 20)
SIX suspected armed robbers in the early hours of last Sunday broke into the official residence of Dr Kafui Setsoafia, the Medical Superintendent of the Atua Government Hospital at Odumase-Krobo, and took away a number of personal belongings and GH¢350.
Dr Setsoafia sustained injuries in one eye while his watchman, Abel Kwao, was also injured on different parts of the body and bled profusely from the nostrils as a result of the severe beatings by the robbers.
They were both treated and discharged at the same hospital.
So far nobody has been arrested in connection with the robbery.
A distraught Dr Setsoafia told the Daily Graphic at his residence shortly after the incident that the robbers, who were armed with guns and machetes, surrounded his premises at exactly 12.50 a.m.
He said he heard Mr Kwao shouting to alert him of the presence of the robbers so he looked through one of the windows where he saw the robbers molesting the watchman.
Dr Setsoafia stated that the robbers after subduing the watchman who was hit on his head with an iron rod and was bleeding profusely from the nostrils, positioned two members of the gang behind the house while the remaining four entered one of the rooms after they had used a cement block to break the main door.
According to the medical doctor, the robbers ordered him to bring out a box in his room which they believed contained dollars and jewels as well as a laptop.
He stated that when he brought out the box but could not immediately find its key, the robbers used the flat side of a machete to hit him on the back after which they punched him in the left eye.
Dr Setsoafia said the robbers stopped molesting him after he had given them the key and that in all, they took away three mobile phones, two wrist watches, a wedding ring and GH¢350 belonging to him and his wife, Theodora, who was hiding in one of the rooms.
He said Theodora was spared the ordeal because he told the robbers that she was not around.
When contacted on the issue, the officer in charge of the Odumase-Krobo Police Station, Chief Inspector Douglas Badjie, confirmed the robbery.
He stated that although he led policemen to the scene immediately he had a phone call, the robbers went away before they arrived there.
He said investigations were ongoing to apprehend the robbers.
Dr Setsoafia sustained injuries in one eye while his watchman, Abel Kwao, was also injured on different parts of the body and bled profusely from the nostrils as a result of the severe beatings by the robbers.
They were both treated and discharged at the same hospital.
So far nobody has been arrested in connection with the robbery.
A distraught Dr Setsoafia told the Daily Graphic at his residence shortly after the incident that the robbers, who were armed with guns and machetes, surrounded his premises at exactly 12.50 a.m.
He said he heard Mr Kwao shouting to alert him of the presence of the robbers so he looked through one of the windows where he saw the robbers molesting the watchman.
Dr Setsoafia stated that the robbers after subduing the watchman who was hit on his head with an iron rod and was bleeding profusely from the nostrils, positioned two members of the gang behind the house while the remaining four entered one of the rooms after they had used a cement block to break the main door.
According to the medical doctor, the robbers ordered him to bring out a box in his room which they believed contained dollars and jewels as well as a laptop.
He stated that when he brought out the box but could not immediately find its key, the robbers used the flat side of a machete to hit him on the back after which they punched him in the left eye.
Dr Setsoafia said the robbers stopped molesting him after he had given them the key and that in all, they took away three mobile phones, two wrist watches, a wedding ring and GH¢350 belonging to him and his wife, Theodora, who was hiding in one of the rooms.
He said Theodora was spared the ordeal because he told the robbers that she was not around.
When contacted on the issue, the officer in charge of the Odumase-Krobo Police Station, Chief Inspector Douglas Badjie, confirmed the robbery.
He stated that although he led policemen to the scene immediately he had a phone call, the robbers went away before they arrived there.
He said investigations were ongoing to apprehend the robbers.
REPAIR OF EASTERN REGION ROADS IN PROGRESS (PAGE 20)
GOOD road network plays a vital role in the development of any area in the country, especially in the hinterland where foodstuffs have to be conveyed from the farm gate to markets in the urban centres.
It also facilitates the movement of people of all walks of life within the areas concerned as well as linking the districts, regions, the country and the neighbouring countries together.
The Eastern Region is the third most populous region in the country and for that matter should have good road network to facilitate its economic activities.
Eight years ago, only 39 per cent of its trunk roads was in good shape, 39 per cent was fair and 22 per cent was poor although previous governments did the best to improve the trunk roads.
The deplorable road network has not only brought untold hardships to the people and traders who found it extremely difficult to cart their wares from one end to the other, but has also negatively affected the economy of the region.
To avert such a deplorable situation, the government upon assumption of power in 2001, initiated a comprehensive road rehabilitation programme nationwide as a result of which large stretches of trunk roads in the region had been reconditioned.
Some of the rehabilitated trunk roads which were carried out under the supervision of the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), included the 16-kilometre Kwabeng-Akyem Akropong road, the Kwahu Tafo-Adawso road, a 20-kilometre stretch linking the Kwahu East District with Kwahu North, the 30-kilometre Aburi-Mamfe road said to be one of the best in West Africa, the 30- kilometre Anyinam-Nkawkaw road and the five-kilometre Medie-Kwafokrom road.
Others are the 14-kilometre Achiase-Akenkansu road and the road linking Ekye Amanfrom with Forifori, one of the main arteries in the newly-created Kwahu North District.
By the end of last year, 40 per cent of the trunk roads constituting 778 kilometres out of the region’s total length of 1,400 was in very good condition, thus bringing a lot of relief to the travelling public.
According to the Regional Director of the GHA, Mr Joseph Kwadwo Agyepong, his outfit was doing its best to rehabilitate the trunk roads.
He said with the support from stakeholders, especially the government, 70 per cent of trunk roads in the region would be in very good condition within the next few years.
Mr Agyepong stated that on the whole, the contracting firms undertaking the various projects, especially AYA Construction, a Koforidua-based construction firm which is reconstructing the Koforidua-Bunso road, the main artery linking the regional capital with the main Accra-Kumasi Highway, had lived up to expectation.
The project which has a contract period of two years, when completed, would totally transform the pot-hole-undulating road that had become a death trap to be one of the best in the region.
Mr Agyepong, who together with Mr Paul Duah, the Regional GHA Maintenance Manager, was on the normal routine visit to the site, commended AYA for the good work done.
The company’s managing director, Mr John Afful, Jnr gave the assurance that the project would be completed on schedule despite the intermittent heavy downpours that had continued to slow down construction works.
One significant aspect of road construction and rehabilitation in the region is that, any stakeholder who does not honour the contractual obligation, is sanctioned..
While contractors who perform poorly are sanctioned, the government which ensures that certificates for work done are honoured within the stipulated time, is also compelled to compensate the contractors for the delay and that had made both parties to be on course at all times, although there used to be some hitches.
Another point worth noting is that, although the rehabilitated trunk roads had the necessary markings and signs which under the normal circumstances should be devoid of vehicular accidents, such accidents do occur, some fatal with loss in life and destruction of property worth thousands of Ghana cedis, especially on the Mamfe-Koforidua road.
The motor accidents, which have been a worry to many people, have been attributed to various reasons. They include the human factor (drunkenness and speeding) and faulty vehicles some of which could be described as death traps.
“Although all the trunk roads are within the required specification of 7.3 metres in width with proper markings and signs to warn users of danger which under normal circumstance can prevent accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians, there have been a lot of motor accidents,” Mr Agyepong stated.
He said some of the accidents are fatal on such roads primarily due to speeding by motorists “so we have been compelled to construct ramps to ensure that drivers go by the speed limit,” he added.
Mr Agyepong also stressed the need for a comprehensive educational programme for all road users, especially drivers.
On the whole, the trunk road rehabilitation programme which according to Mr Agyepong had been successful, is beset with challenges.
They include delay in the payment to contracting firms for work done, periodic shortage of construction materials such as chippings, low contractor capacity and inadequate number of technical staff.
For instance, currently only one surveyor is responsible for the entire road network in the region. There is the need for additional surveyors and more technical staff to be on the job otherwise the rehabilitation of the trunk roads would not progress as expected.
It also facilitates the movement of people of all walks of life within the areas concerned as well as linking the districts, regions, the country and the neighbouring countries together.
The Eastern Region is the third most populous region in the country and for that matter should have good road network to facilitate its economic activities.
Eight years ago, only 39 per cent of its trunk roads was in good shape, 39 per cent was fair and 22 per cent was poor although previous governments did the best to improve the trunk roads.
The deplorable road network has not only brought untold hardships to the people and traders who found it extremely difficult to cart their wares from one end to the other, but has also negatively affected the economy of the region.
To avert such a deplorable situation, the government upon assumption of power in 2001, initiated a comprehensive road rehabilitation programme nationwide as a result of which large stretches of trunk roads in the region had been reconditioned.
Some of the rehabilitated trunk roads which were carried out under the supervision of the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), included the 16-kilometre Kwabeng-Akyem Akropong road, the Kwahu Tafo-Adawso road, a 20-kilometre stretch linking the Kwahu East District with Kwahu North, the 30-kilometre Aburi-Mamfe road said to be one of the best in West Africa, the 30- kilometre Anyinam-Nkawkaw road and the five-kilometre Medie-Kwafokrom road.
Others are the 14-kilometre Achiase-Akenkansu road and the road linking Ekye Amanfrom with Forifori, one of the main arteries in the newly-created Kwahu North District.
By the end of last year, 40 per cent of the trunk roads constituting 778 kilometres out of the region’s total length of 1,400 was in very good condition, thus bringing a lot of relief to the travelling public.
According to the Regional Director of the GHA, Mr Joseph Kwadwo Agyepong, his outfit was doing its best to rehabilitate the trunk roads.
He said with the support from stakeholders, especially the government, 70 per cent of trunk roads in the region would be in very good condition within the next few years.
Mr Agyepong stated that on the whole, the contracting firms undertaking the various projects, especially AYA Construction, a Koforidua-based construction firm which is reconstructing the Koforidua-Bunso road, the main artery linking the regional capital with the main Accra-Kumasi Highway, had lived up to expectation.
The project which has a contract period of two years, when completed, would totally transform the pot-hole-undulating road that had become a death trap to be one of the best in the region.
Mr Agyepong, who together with Mr Paul Duah, the Regional GHA Maintenance Manager, was on the normal routine visit to the site, commended AYA for the good work done.
The company’s managing director, Mr John Afful, Jnr gave the assurance that the project would be completed on schedule despite the intermittent heavy downpours that had continued to slow down construction works.
One significant aspect of road construction and rehabilitation in the region is that, any stakeholder who does not honour the contractual obligation, is sanctioned..
While contractors who perform poorly are sanctioned, the government which ensures that certificates for work done are honoured within the stipulated time, is also compelled to compensate the contractors for the delay and that had made both parties to be on course at all times, although there used to be some hitches.
Another point worth noting is that, although the rehabilitated trunk roads had the necessary markings and signs which under the normal circumstances should be devoid of vehicular accidents, such accidents do occur, some fatal with loss in life and destruction of property worth thousands of Ghana cedis, especially on the Mamfe-Koforidua road.
The motor accidents, which have been a worry to many people, have been attributed to various reasons. They include the human factor (drunkenness and speeding) and faulty vehicles some of which could be described as death traps.
“Although all the trunk roads are within the required specification of 7.3 metres in width with proper markings and signs to warn users of danger which under normal circumstance can prevent accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians, there have been a lot of motor accidents,” Mr Agyepong stated.
He said some of the accidents are fatal on such roads primarily due to speeding by motorists “so we have been compelled to construct ramps to ensure that drivers go by the speed limit,” he added.
Mr Agyepong also stressed the need for a comprehensive educational programme for all road users, especially drivers.
On the whole, the trunk road rehabilitation programme which according to Mr Agyepong had been successful, is beset with challenges.
They include delay in the payment to contracting firms for work done, periodic shortage of construction materials such as chippings, low contractor capacity and inadequate number of technical staff.
For instance, currently only one surveyor is responsible for the entire road network in the region. There is the need for additional surveyors and more technical staff to be on the job otherwise the rehabilitation of the trunk roads would not progress as expected.
Monday, November 3, 2008
TASK FORCE TO ESTABLISH OPERATION CENTRES ON POLLING DAY — ANKO-BIL (PAGE 17)
THE Eastern Regional Police Commander, ACP George Anko-Bil, has said the Regional Elections Task Force will establish operational centres throughout the region to expeditiously deal with any problem that will mar the smooth conduct of the general election, especially on election day, December 7.
The task force, he said, would collaborate with the Ghana Navy in its activities during the elections on islands on the Afram, Volta and Obosum rivers, all in the Kwahu North District (Afram Plains) which can only be reached by canoe or boat.
This, he said, would ensure a smooth and peaceful election and also make it possible for those on the islands and other outlandish places to exercise their franchise.
ACP Anko-Bil, who is also the Chairman of the task force, gave these hints when he briefed members of the Task Force which is represented by the security organisations and the political parties contesting in the elections in Koforidua at the weekend.
Although all the political parties had representation on the task force, only those representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the People’s National Convention were present. Also, present were representatives of the print media in the region.
He said it had been the desire of the task force to ensure a violence-free election in the region and that all efforts were being made to that effect.
“We have now identified 240 flashpoints in the region which are likely to generate problems, so security personnel from the rapid deployment force stationed in such operational centres would be hurriedly sent to such flashpoint in case of any eventuality to deal with the problem,” he stated.
According to ACP Anko-Bil, the task force would also be having regular meetings with all stakeholders of the election, especially parliamentary candidates and others such as the media to educate them on how best to go by their activities during the election in such a way as to make the event peaceful.
He said the task force had instituted such measures because the election had become crucial, especially for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), both of which had won twice and were therefore hoping to win for the third time.
ACP Anko-Bil therefore appealed to the leaders of all the contesting political parties to properly educate their supporters not to do anything that would bring confusion and chaos.
Mr Alecs Agobo, the NPP representative, gave the assurance that the party was committed to peaceful elections in the region.
He also said a visit organised by the Electoral Commission (EC) for representatives of political parties to its operational headquarters to acquaint themselves with the election processes, where they were conducted round by the Chairman of the commission, Dr Afari Djan, had made them to understand that the EC could not in any way alter the voters’ register or manipulate the results of the elections.
The PNC representative, Mr Godwin Tay, called on those who would mount political platforms to desist from casting insinuations against opponents since such practices generated tension and chaos.
In his contribution, Mr James Taibu, who represented the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) ,advised the media to be circumspect in their reportage.
The task force, he said, would collaborate with the Ghana Navy in its activities during the elections on islands on the Afram, Volta and Obosum rivers, all in the Kwahu North District (Afram Plains) which can only be reached by canoe or boat.
This, he said, would ensure a smooth and peaceful election and also make it possible for those on the islands and other outlandish places to exercise their franchise.
ACP Anko-Bil, who is also the Chairman of the task force, gave these hints when he briefed members of the Task Force which is represented by the security organisations and the political parties contesting in the elections in Koforidua at the weekend.
Although all the political parties had representation on the task force, only those representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the People’s National Convention were present. Also, present were representatives of the print media in the region.
He said it had been the desire of the task force to ensure a violence-free election in the region and that all efforts were being made to that effect.
“We have now identified 240 flashpoints in the region which are likely to generate problems, so security personnel from the rapid deployment force stationed in such operational centres would be hurriedly sent to such flashpoint in case of any eventuality to deal with the problem,” he stated.
According to ACP Anko-Bil, the task force would also be having regular meetings with all stakeholders of the election, especially parliamentary candidates and others such as the media to educate them on how best to go by their activities during the election in such a way as to make the event peaceful.
He said the task force had instituted such measures because the election had become crucial, especially for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), both of which had won twice and were therefore hoping to win for the third time.
ACP Anko-Bil therefore appealed to the leaders of all the contesting political parties to properly educate their supporters not to do anything that would bring confusion and chaos.
Mr Alecs Agobo, the NPP representative, gave the assurance that the party was committed to peaceful elections in the region.
He also said a visit organised by the Electoral Commission (EC) for representatives of political parties to its operational headquarters to acquaint themselves with the election processes, where they were conducted round by the Chairman of the commission, Dr Afari Djan, had made them to understand that the EC could not in any way alter the voters’ register or manipulate the results of the elections.
The PNC representative, Mr Godwin Tay, called on those who would mount political platforms to desist from casting insinuations against opponents since such practices generated tension and chaos.
In his contribution, Mr James Taibu, who represented the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) ,advised the media to be circumspect in their reportage.
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