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| Shoot Ballot Box Stealers – Police Chief Declares |
9/16/2012 |
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Obuasi Divisional Police Command has declared its readiness to offer maximum protection to the electorate on election day in the municipality.
ACP Dwumfour Berchie, the Divisional Police Commander, said the police would not hesitate to shoot any heavily-built hoodlum who would attempt to smash or steal a ballot box on December 7.
Speaking to the media after meeting representatives of political parties at Obuasi on Tuesday, the police chief warned the country’s stout men, popularly referred to as ‘macho’ men against storming the polling centres within his jurisdiction to foment trouble since they would be dealt with.
According to him, all the political parties agreed that the services of such goons were normally hired to disrupt the electoral process without justification.
“During my meeting with the political parties, it came to light that the ‘macho’ men are mostly the people who are hired to foment trouble. We are aware they often carry weapons.”
“This is a warning to them; they should take note that snatching of ballot boxes amounts to stealing, and since stealing is a crime we will deal with them in equal measure. If they think they have cutlasses, the police have guns and we will not hesitate to send those miscreants into their early graves,” ACP Berchie stressed.
According to him, there was the need for the police to create a peaceful environment by offering adequate security to the polling officers as well as the ballot boxes and all materials needed for the conduct of the election.
“This is our job and we have decided to be firm on the election day,” the police commander stated.
From Ernest Kofi Adu, Kumasi
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