We’ll deal with hate speeches – Election Security Taskforce

The Eastern Regional Election Security Taskforce has stated it will deal with hate speeches in the media as part of its “effective preemptive measures” to safeguard the peace and political stability of the Country beginning from the upcoming district level elections and Referendum.

The Eastern Regional Police Commander, COP Alphonse Adu Amankwah, who is the Chairman of the Eastern Regional Election Security Taskforce said this when outlining the role of the task force during its inauguration Wednesday in Koforidua.

The task force members were drawn from heads of the various Security Services and Electoral commission in the region.

According to COP Adu Amankwah, the task force will “collaborate with the media to minimize hate speeches on local Fm stations and communication centers spread across the region ” to ensure that supporters are not incited to foment troubles that will mare the electoral exercises.

He further mentioned that the Taskforce will “liaise with the Regional Electoral Office to ensure that electoral materials are adequately protected, ensure early mobilization of Security personnel for the election duties, speedy investigations of all electoral offences and see to amicable settlement of minor complaints ,arrest and Prosecute election offenders and secure the safe transport and storage of ballot materials at Police Stations ”

He added that the task force “will also identify election hotspots in all constituencies in the region for effective policing and deal with any other matters of Security concern”.

He called on traditional leaders, Clergy, the media, leaders of political parties to help the taskforce maintain a peaceful atmosphere adding that, “the task force is ready for any information that can help identify any election Security threat early”.

The Eastern Regional Director of the Electoral Commission Faith Amedzake said effective unbiased professional election Security is paramount to the conduct of peaceful , transparent and fair election and therefore charged the task force to create peaceful atmosphere for the crucial electoral exercises ahead.

She urged persons qualified for special voting in the District Level elections and referendum to apply at EC office to enable them to take part in the early voting exercise.