Kumasi, Jan 17, GNA- The Ashanti Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Frank Adu-Poku, has urged all political parties taking part in the Fomena by-election to co-operate with the Electoral Commission (EC) and the security agencies to ensure a smooth, transparent and peaceful elections on Tuesday, January 23. He noted that the aim of each political party was to work for the betterment of Ghana and this should not be done in an atmosphere of animosity, rancour and acrimony.

DCOP Adu-Poku said these at a meeting held at the Ashanti Regional Police Headquarters in Kumasi on Tuesday and attended by representatives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the EC and the security agencies.

The Regional Police Commander appealed to the political parties to exhibit similar tolerance and maturity they portrayed in a recent by-election held in the region.

He said the security agencies would put measures in place to ensure that the electorate and all stakeholders in the process are adequately protected and that the law would deal with any person or group of persons who attempt to derail the process.

Mr Kofi Asomaning, the Regional Director of the EC, on his part advised the leadership of the political parties to endeavour to acquaint themselves with the rules and regulations governing the electoral process in order to educate their supporters at the grassroots as a means of eradicating violence and misunderstanding associated with elections.

The political parties agreed in principle to do their best to ensure a smooth, transparent and incident-free elections. They commended the security agencies for the able manner they conduct and discharge their constitutionally mandated duties over the years.