stations

Accra, Nov. 11, GNA - Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, Interior Minister, on Tuesday appealed to the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that all security officers stationed at the polling stations had on them, their name tags and service numbers for easy identification. The Minister said: "any security officer without a name tag and number should not be allowed at the polling station." Dr Addo-Kufuor was in Parliament to brief the House on plans to provide adequate security for Presidential and Parliamentary Candidates and Election 2008.

He said all Presidential Candidates had been provided with four body guards and security was being coordinated by a national task force to assist and provide protection for the Electoral Commission, candidates and the public throughout and after the elections. The Interior Minister said there were Regional, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Task Forces to ensure safe escort of all voting materials and protection for electoral officers during the elections. "Patrols would be intensified to deal with any unforeseen events. Mr Speaker, on post elections, the security services would ensure massive patrols throughout the country to ensure post election stability."

"All electoral facilities and offices would be given heavy security protection before and during the declaration of results," he added. In another development, Members of Parliament have praised the efforts of farmers in the country for their contributions in feeding the nation. They were contributing to a statement on the floor of the House and asked for more support for agriculture to boost food production. Dr Ahmed Alhassan, NDC Member for Mion, suggested that in future an award category be created for young farmers to encourage more young people into farming. 11 Nov. 08