Asantehene urges police to deal with election-related violence

Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is urging the police to be resolute in dealing with election-related violence that has the tendency to mar the country’s peace.

Otumfuo says elections in the country have over the years been characterized by chaos because police, who are mandated to maintain peace and order failed to apply sanctions against perpetrators of such violation.

He wants the police to be professional in dealing with an election-related offense to gain the trust of the citizenry.

Asantehene wondered why periods proceeding, during and after general elections since 1992 has been characterized by violence or fear of a possible break-out of violence though there the police service is mandated to maintain law and order.

There has reported instances where police officers have stood unconcernhttp://ghanapoliticsonline.com as ballot boxes are snatched during elections.

According to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, this and many other conducts, have eroded the public trust and believe in the once vibrant and trusted police service.

He cites instances where political parties have intervened in instances where party sympathizers are arrested for their roles in election-related violence.

He was addressing a police delegation led by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr John Kudalor called on him at the Manhyia Palace.

Otumfuo said though the IGP was appointed by the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, he need not be on the side of the party but rather, remain professional.

For his part, Mr Kudalor appealed to the Asantehene and traditional leaders to use their influence to ensure peaceful elections.

“Policing is not only the responsibility of the police. It’s a shared responsibility and in my administration, I know that the chiefs of this country play a critical role in ensuring that the election results are accepted by all,” Mr Kudalor said.

According to him, the service has been strategizing to get the necessary manpower and equipment to police election once the number of polling stations has been increased from 26,000 to 29,000.