The NCCE in collaboration with the National Security organized an Inter-Party Dialogue Committee meeting on National Cohesion and Inclusive Participation at Mount Sinai Methodist Church at Kpone in the Greater Accra Region on 20th October, 2021. In attendance were the NCCE Greater Accra Regional Director, NCCE Kpone Katamanso District Director, the District Crime Officer, NIB, representatives from the various political parties, faith-based organizations, the media and some youth groups.
MR SETH SOTIE ADDRESSING PARTICIPANTS AT THE PROGRAM
The recent reports of kidnappings, ritual murders, armed robberies, communal violence, the likely spillover of violence from the Sahel region, as well as the activities of secessionists’ movements and vigilante groups in Ghana raise the stakes against peace and national cohesion. The country’s domestic threats to security and national cohesion tend to be caused by local socio-economic and cultural grievances aggravated by poverty, unemployment, violent radicalization as in the case of the Western Togoland Secessionist Movement, political point scoring and reciprocal attacks(as manifest in the activities of political parties’ vigilante groups), religious tensions, inequality and marginalization. As important stakeholders, political parties have a crucial role to play in forging national cohesion, peace and security. In connection with the above, the NCCE with support from the Ministry of National Security is embarking on a series of community sensitisations activities, including Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC) meetings, under the theme: Empowering Ghanaians to Stand for National Cohesion and Inclusive Participation.
DSP HERBERT SOSU, MUNICIPAL CRIMES OFFICER AND THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF NCCE; MRS LUCILLE HEWLETT ANNAN
The NCCE Kpone Katamanso District Director, Mr. Seth Sotie in his welcome address, stated that the objective of the programme was to educate political activists, faith-based organizations, and other key stakeholders on security matters. He gave a brief history of the Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC). He explained that the IPDC is a unifying body which can promote peace and resolve conflicts before, during and after the 2020 general elections in order to enhance political, economic and social progress and stability. He added that the tension of the 2008 election was a wakeup call for the NCCE to form a committee similar to IPAC for dialogue among political parties.
PARTICIPANTS AT THE PROGRAM
There was a documentary for participants to watch the devastating effects of election-related disputes, misunderstanding and war on a country. Hence, the need to eschew violence and promote peaceful co-existence in the country.
The NCCE Greater Accra Regional Director advocated for the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for settling some misunderstandings. She advised the people not to take the laws into their own hands to destroy lives and properties. She emphasized that the police had been mandated to enforce law and order in the country hence citizens should not hesitate to inform the police on matters relating to criminalities for the appropriate action.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Herbert Sosu of the Kpone District Police Command, assured the participants of the Police readiness to them against unscrupulous persons. He added that citizens should have absolute confidence in the police and report any suspicious character to the police for swift actions.
DSP Sosu further entreated citizens to obey the Public Order Act saying the Police must be notified ahead of any special event within its operational areas. He also advised residents to be extra vigilant within the communities, saying the criminals were always devising new strategies trap unsuspecting individuals to commit crimes.
The Participants were extremely grateful for the IPDC meeting. There was a question and answer segment were participants asked questions. There was a group photograph after the program.
PARTICIPANTS IN A GROUP PHOTOGRAPH WITH THE NCCE REGIONAL DIRECTOR AND CRIMES OFFICER.
CREDIT: NCCE