Election 2016: Police Visits NPP, NDC

The Accra Region Police Command yesterday paid a courtesy on the regional executives of the two major political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

As part of the process to ensure total security before, during and after the 2016 parliamentary and presidential elections, the meeting is part of mechanisms by the regional command to foster continuous interaction between the police and the necessary stakeholders to achieve peace in the entire electioneering process.

At both regional headquarters of the two parties, the Accra Region Police Commander, Commissioner of Police (COP) George Akuffo Dampare, stated that the visit is to strengthen the relationship between the police and the political parties.

“We are here to build dynamic partnerships and break the perceived animosity between the police and political parties, which have existed over the years,” he reiterated.

He recounted that about some few weeks ago the Regional Command convened a meeting at its premises for all political parties to hold discussions on sensitive issues concerning the upcoming general elections. 

He opined that the discussions have started a very interactive process which, he hopes, would continue to restore dignity to the Police Service.

“Our hallmark as police officers is to be transparent, objective, firm and professional in the discharge of our duties; these we will not sacrifice for any political colour,” he charged.

According to him, the police are on this journey to create an early warning system where issues which could sabotage the electioneering process will be quickly and effectively addressed to forestall any chaos.

COP Dampare assured the general public that the police would see to it that no individual compromises the peace of Ghana for his/her political interests.

“Anyone who disturbs the peace of the country would be brought to book,” he added.

Mr Ishmael Ashitey, Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, stated that the initiative by the Accra Regional Police Command is laudable and appropriate.

According to him, more often than not, political parties in opposition think the police only side with the party in power, but this initiative by the Accra Regional Police Command has wiped away any of such misconceptions.

Mr Ashitey assured comportment of his followers if they do not feel cheated, abused and sidelined.

Assuring the police to ensure discipline in their own political party, Mr Joseph Ade Coker, NDC Regional Chairman, noted that if discipline is not ensured it won’t permeate to the national level and guarantee composure.

“We are happy about the initiative and hope it would aid in maintaining the peace Ghana has enjoyed over the years,” he added.

Mr Ade Coker seized the opportunity to apologise to the command for not honouring their first call.