The Acting Public Relations Officer of Ghana Police Service said at the weekend that the service is fully prepared to handle any acts of violence that will arise before during and after the December polls.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Cephas Arthur, noted that the service in partnership with other security agencies have put in place strategies and plans to ensure that the December General Election is devoid of violence that would mar the exercise.

He made this known at a peace makers rally organised by Oparedauro Media Consult and the Seventh Day Adventist Church on the theme: “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.”

DSP Arthur said since 1992, the country has had peaceful elections motivating other countries to visit the country for guidance from the police service on the strategies used to achieve the feat.

He noted that as part of its plans to ensure peaceful elections, a national security taskforce would be inaugurated as well as a special tactical training course for 16,000 personnel to beef up the security network in the country ahead of the elections.

DSP Arthur said the police service has made preparations for adequate security for all the rallies, electoral equipment, voters and properties; to preserve the integrity of the elections.

He said there was the need for all to ensure peace since it is a shared responsibility, and admonished politicians to propagate peace at their various campaigns devoid of hate speeches or insults.

DSP Arthur appealed to politicians to be weary of their utterances since it could spark tension and could lead to mayhem.

He asked the public to obey the electoral laws and not take the law into their hands since all countries are looking forward to Ghana to maintain its peaceful political history in elections.

Mr. Ransford Tetteh, President of the Ghana Journalist Association, urged the citizenry to be agents and preachers of peace and have the spirit of forgiveness to ensure peaceful election.

Mr Tetteh said if politicians are not able to develop the country, they should not destroy it since any least provocation could lead to conflict which could affect the peaceful atmosphere enjoyed over the years.

He appealed to the media to be circumspect in their reportage, since people are looking up to them to set the road map for peace to prevail.

Mr. Tetteh called for accurate, balance and credible reportage before, during and after the elections.

As part of the programme, journalist signed the peace makers’ banner to advocate peace in the General Election.**