Let’s ensure violence-free, credible, and transparent elections-Red Cross

The Ghana Red Cross Society (GRCS) has urged stakeholders in the electoral process to ensure violent free, credible and transparent election come December 7.Mr Solomon Gayoni Gbolo, Secretary-General, GRCS said 'as a society, we must avoid any form of activity that could undermine the peace, stability, and security of the country.'Mr Gbolo who said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at a stakeholders meeting in Accra added that the stakes were high in this year's election, and stakeholders must commit to peace and avoid all forms of violence.'The process should also be credible, adding that we need the collective responsibility of all stakeholders.'He said the election was crucial, especially when Ghanaians complained of economic hardship, stressing that 'we do not need to engage in activities that would threaten the peace and stability of Ghana.'This is an election year; this is a period when Ghanaians would be going to vote, and at the same time, this is a period Ghanaians are complaining of economic hardship.We need to ensure that the electoral processes are organised in a free, fair, and transparent manner. We do not want a situation where the processes would be marred with violence and the Red Cross would be called to intervene.'He also advised Ghanaians especially the youth to stay safe during, before and after the election.ACP Victoria Yamoah, Director In-Charge, Police Election Security Secretariat said security services were key to the election explaining that 'we cannot have a successful election when the security plans or the measures put in place are not up to date.She assured citizens of safety during, before and after the election, saying 'with the plans and preparations that the Police and other security services have put in place we assure the public that we are on top and that we want the public to support and trust that nothing will happen.'ACP Yamoah added that all necessary preparations must be put to ensure the provision of, safe and secure environment before, during and after the election.'Our Inspector General of Police who is the head of the election security taskforce together with other supportive sister security agencies have been working throughout every day to ensure peace throughout the election processes to ensure a peaceful election and maintain the peace in the country,' she added.Mr Fred Tettey, Deputy Director Research Department, Electoral Commission reassured the EC's preparedness towards ensuring a free, fair and transparent election.'We have the personnel and Ghana is going to get it right because we are going to do all within our capacity to deliver free and fair elections to the people of Ghana,' he added.He advised the youth, especially first time voters to use their energy and their political right positively adding that they should not be allowed to be used by politicians.Source: Ghana News Agency