A workshop for constituency organizers of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Eastern Region has ended with the introduction of a “citizen police” initiative in preparation for the upcoming December 7 presidential and parliamentary elections.
The workshop held at Suhum , led by Eastern Regional Organizer Hackman Kabore, was among other things aimed to organize and empower citizens across various communities to actively participate in the electoral process and ensure the protection of their voting rights and ballot.
Hackman Kabore explained to the media that the “citizen police” initiative is not a revival of vigilantism, which has been banned, but rather a capacity-building effort for individual volunteers in different communities.
“This initiative is grounded in their constitutional right under the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30) Section 12, which encourages citizens to make arrests without a warrant for certain offences,” he stated.
Kabore stated that “this act empowers citizens to arrest individuals involved in offenses such as the use of force or violence, stealing, or fraud, including during elections.”
The initiative was introduced during a weekend training workshop for Constituency Organizers in the region. These organizers are expected to implement this intervention within their communities, ensuring that electorates understand their rights, protect their votes, and remain resilient against any intimidation by rogue security operatives on voting day.
“The NDC is fully prepared to protect the will of the suffering Ghanaian people yearning for change of government,” stated Hackman Kabore.
He stressed that for the sake of peace and stability, the security agencies and the Electoral Commission must remain fair and impartial, resisting any manipulation attempts that could subvert the will of the people.
The December 7 presidential election is a significant contest between the current Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former President John Dramani Mahama of the opposition NDC. Dr. Bawumia aims to succeed President Akufo-Addo after his two terms, while Mr. Mahama seeks a comeback after his 2016 and 2020 defeats by Akufo-Addo.
Source:Mybrytfmonline. com/Obed Ansah
