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Religious urged to stay off political campaigning
 
Posted on: 2008-Oct-11             GNA
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Sir Dennis Adjei, a legal practitioner in Kumasi, on Thursday advised religious leaders against campaigning for political parties that would be contesting Election 2008.

He said any such practice could breed animosity, rumor and bitterness among members of religious bodies or society.

Sir Adjei gave the advice at a meeting of members of the Ashanti Regional Electoral Security Task Force, political parties and other opinion leaders to discuss ways and means of ensuring peaceful polls in December.

The 17-member task force comprises personnel of police, military, Customs and Excise and Preventive Services (CEPS), Ghana Immigration Service, Bureau of National Investigation (BNI).

Sir Adjei, a Knight of the Catholic Church, said leaders of religious bodies, considered to be symbol of peace and unity, should not do anything to tarnish their image.

Some leaders of political parties urged the police to deal fairly with all parties in respect with organizing political rallies.

They also suggested that phone-in programmes on radio should be temporarily stopped three days before voting in order not to spark violence, saying the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) should intensify its political education.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Kwaku Ayesu Opare-Addo, Ashanti Regional Police Commander, charged the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) to assist in ensuring peaceful elections.

He said the police would seize vehicles of political parties, unregistered vehicles or motor bicycles or those with foreign numbers that would be brought to the polling stations.

Superintendent John Ernest Owusu, Regional Crime Officer, reminded the public that it was an offence to remove posters of political parties.

He also advised public gathering organizers to give the police five days notice to enable security personnel prepare adequately for such events.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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