With less than 24 hours to the much anticipated Assin North by-election, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), George Akuffo Dampare has met with the leadership of the two largest political parties in the country, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to discuss and promote peaceful election on Tuesday, June 27.
The meeting which was held at the Assin State College SHS saw the IGP address concerns or issues raised by both parties.
During the meeting, both parties had the opportunity to express their viewpoints, present their expectations, and discuss matters of importance.
The leaders also discussed security arrangements, ways to deal with any electoral malpractices which may occur and ensure free and fair elections.
The IGP also stressed the need for transparency, impartiality, and neutrality in the electoral process and reassured all parties and the general public of the police readiness of protecting the rights of citizens during and after the elections.
In ensuring a peaceful by-election, some eight hundred Police officers have already been deployed to Assin North constituency.
According to the Director of Electoral Services at the Electoral Commission (EC), Dr Serebour Quaicoe, the Police assured that there would be enough security on the ground to allow for a smooth process.
Dr. Serebour Quaicoe explained that the expected number of men will be enough to maintain law and order at all polling stations.
“So, if we are bringing 800 and the place has 99 polling stations, it means that one polling station may have an average of eight police officers, so we are hoping that the security will be revamped, and we will have a peaceful election,” he said.
Both parties are in the race to win the Assin North seat after the Supreme Court ordered Parliament to expunge James Gyakye Quayson’s name from its records after nullifying the results of the 2020 polls in the constituency.
James Gyakye Quayson who won in the Assin North constituency in the 2020 elections was found guilty of holding dual citizenship prior to filing to contest the 2020 polls.
Despite facing other charges which are currently in court, the NDC has decided to go with James Gyakye Quayson who they believe is the right man to win the seat for the party come Tuesday, June 27, 2023.
