The Bechem District Police Command has assured residents of its preparedness to provide adequate security for the upcoming National Democratic Congress (NDC) constituency elections in the Tano South Constituency.
The Bechem District Police Commander, ASP Michael Koole, says the police are ready to maintain law and order at the Techimantia Presbyterian School Park, the designated voting centre, to ensure a peaceful and incident-free electoral process.
Speaking in an interview on the Morning Show of Bechem-based High Radio, ASP Koole said the police were well prepared for the exercise and would not tolerate any activities capable of disrupting the elections.
“When it happens like that, police perform a pivotal role in such an exercise in terms of security, and will make sure nothing bad happens at the grounds of the elections, for we, the police, are well prepared for the programme,” he stated.
He cautioned individuals without legitimate business at the voting centre against going there to cause trouble, stressing that the security arrangements were intended to ensure an orderly electoral process.
According to ASP Koole, the voting centre has been securely barricaded ahead of the elections, with voting expected to be conducted according to the various branches, as directed by the NDC’s electoral board.
He explained that representatives of the respective branches would be called to vote in turn, warning that no one should enter the restricted area without being called.
“The branches would be called accordingly, and no one should enter the perimeter uncalled, including party supporters and spectators at large,” he said.
The police commander further clarified that no one without party accreditation would be grant access to the secured voting perimeter.
ASP Koole also issued a strong warning against the presence of party vigilantes and individuals who might seek to intimidate voters or cause disturbances at the venue.
“No party thugs are needed at the voting centre. We don’t want any trouble to erupt at the voting centre to tarnish the image of Tano South in the Ahafo Region,” he cautioned.
He added that the police would not permit unauthorized gatherings of party supporters if such gatherings were considered a potential threat to security.
“Any uncalled gatherings of party supporters which are sensed to be a threat to security, we, the police, won’t allow that,” ASP Koole stressed.
He also warned that civilians would not be allowed to carry firearms into the voting centre, as part of measures to prevent violence and maintain public safety throughout the exercise.
The commander urged all contestants, party supporters and other stakeholders to cooperate with the police and comply with the security arrangements to ensure the elections are conducted peacefully.
Meanwhile, ASP Koole has expressed appreciation to the people of Bechem for their continued support and cooperation with the police.
He encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report criminal activities or suspicious behaviour to the authorities, assuring them that reports received would be attended to.
“I would like to use this opportunity to thank the Bechem community for their support to the police and would encourage them not to hesitate to report any crime to the police,” he said.
He reminded the public that they could contact the Ghana Police Service through its toll-free number, 18555, to report incidents requiring police attention.
ASP Koole reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security before, during and after the NDC constituency elections, urging all stakeholders to put the interest of the constituency and the Ahafo Region above partisan considerations.
