Politics of Thursday, 14 October 2004

Source: GNA

CPP PC slams ban on political activities in Tamale & Yendi

Accra, Oct.14, GNA - Mr Ibrahim Alabira, Parliamentary Candidate of the Convention People's Party (CPP) for Mion Constituency, has called for an immediate review of the decision to ban outdoor political activities in Tamale and Yendi.

"The decision by the Northern Regional Security Committee (REGSEC) to ban political activities in the two areas, following skirmishes between the followers of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is uncalled for," he told the Ghana News Agency.

Mr Alabira said although the killing of 14-year old, Master Ibrahim Amidu in Tamale at the weekend and a violent clash between supporters of the NPP and NDC in Yendi were unfortunate, they were no justification for the ban.

He said the security agencies knew those causing confusion with impunity and must deal with them individually instead of slamming a ban on whole communities, when election was some few weeks away. "People are roaming round on motorbikes carrying guns. Such people with evil intentions are those who must be dealt with."

Mr Alabira said it was wrong, therefore, for people to suggest that the December polls should be postponed in the two areas. He, however, admitted that although his Constituency fell under the Yendi District, he had organised his electioneering campaigns without any hitches.

" I have encountered no problems at all," he said. Mr Alabira suggested the need for all the political parties to limit their campaigns to voters in local communities instead of organising large- scale political rallies that demanded the transportation of supporters from other areas.

Government had expressed worry about the Tamale and Yendi incidents and reaffirmed its commitment to adopt measures to ensure peace in the area.

The NDC has accused the Government of threatening to re-impose the state of emergency, which was slapped on the area following the assassination Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II, Paramount Chief of Dagbon Traditional Area.

At a press conference the NDC said: "No amount of threats of re-imposition of the state of emergency or drastic measures could solve the problem without the Government's demonstration and administration of swift justice irrespective of the personalities, parties or groups involved." 14 Oct. 04