Ashanti REGSEC assesses security situations following reported violence

The Ashanti Regional Security Council, REGSEC has been assessing the security situation following reported pockets of violence at some registration centers at the ongoing Limited Voter Registration Exercise in the Region. 

Some suspects believed to be political party sympathizers arrested in connection with the violence have been granted Police enquiry bail.  

The Electoral Commission, EC said some equipment used in the exercise were vandalized.  

Staff of the EC were attacked while prospective qualified applicants were assaulted. Others were also not allowed to register by political party representatives. 

Briefing the media, the Regional Minister and Chairman of the REGSEC, Alexander Ackon said upon assessment of the situation from the 584 registration centers REGSEC has decided that apart from the accredited representatives of political parties, nobody should be allowed to go close to the centres, and people using motorbikes should stay 200 meters away. 

Mr Ackon said it is against the law to physically prevent prospective applicants from registering based on applicant’s appearance. 

He said the laid down procedure has to be followed by filling a challenged form after which a committee will be constituted to look into the complaints before a voter card is issued to such an applicant.

The Regional Police Commander, DCOP Kofi Boakye said the military and Police squad will be on standby ready to be deployed to some identified  hot spots to ensure law and order. 

He also appealed to Ghanaians to have positive attitudes towards the exercise which is turning violent.  

DCOP Boakye said some suspects have been arrested and granted bail and they will appear before court soon after Police investigations.

GBC