General News of Sunday, 10 August 2008

Source: GNA

NDC expresses concern about Addo-Kufuor's call

Accra, Aug 10, GNA - The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed concern about a call by Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, Minister of the Interior, for the extension of the limited registration exercise.

"A mere extension of the exercise will not guarantee the registration of our citizens who are eligible to register. The Electoral Commission should be able to clear the backlog within the two days left for the exercise if it sends more materials to the registration centres," the party said in a statement its National Organiser, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, signed.

The statement told the Interior Minister to avoid interfering in anyway the work of the EC and that he should leave all issues pertaining to the registration exercise to the EC to decide in consultation with the political parties under the IPAC arrangement.

"The Interior Ministry should focus its constitutional duty of ensuring peace and security in the country. It should ensure personnel of the Ghana Police Service stay neutral and operate within the confines of the law."

The statement said the NDC is not happy with the conduct of some police personnel, alleging that personnel have resorted to arresting NDC officials and agents when they challenge fraudulent activities at the registration centres.

It said this form of intimidation is unacceptable and contributes to undermining democracy.

"The Ghana Police Service should help consolidate our democracy by avoiding taking sides and burying the truth," the statement said.