The Eastern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Joseph Owusu-Bempah, has issued a strong warning to individuals planning to cause disturbances during the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Primaries, on Saturday, January 31, stating that the Police will deal with troublemakers “ruthlessly.”
DCOP Owusu-Bempah made the remarks on Friday morning during a police “Show of Force” march through the principal streets of Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital, ahead of the deployment of security personnel for the primaries.
According to him, a total of 1,434 police personnel will be deployed across the region to ensure a peaceful process.
“We have 11 constituencies under the command, and each constituency will have adequate police presence. In addition, we have four standby teams, two for each constituency, and about 100 officers on standby,” he disclosed.
He added that support has also been received from Police Headquarters, including specialized units, to strengthen security.
“We are fully prepared everywhere. We have backup, and we have no hesitation at all that we will succeed. We do not anticipate anybody coming to cause trouble,” he said.
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However, the Regional Commander cautioned that anyone with the intention of disrupting the process should reconsider.
“But if you have an intention of coming to cause problems, please don’t come at all. Before you come, we will deal with you. Take it from me, it’s a promise. We will enforce the law to the letter,” DCOP Owusu-Bempah warned.
He also took a swipe at self-styled “macho men,” stressing that the election is not about intimidation or physical strength. They have huge shoulders so they call themselves macho men. This election is not between macho people; it’s between five contestants. If you are a macho man, go to the gym and lift weights. Tomorrow is not a day for macho men,” he stated.
DCOP Owusu-Bempah emphasized that the Police’s primary duty is to protect voters, electoral officers, electoral materials, the media, and security personnel to ensure a peaceful voting environment.
“Our duty is simple: people must come and vote freely and go home freely. If you want to observe, stand at a distance. Any form of misbehavior will lead to arrest,” he said.
He further warned that political influence would not secure the release of anyone arrested for misconduct.
“When someone is arrested for misbehavior, don’t call the IGP or me. If you call me and it’s about someone who has misbehaved, I will tell you clearly that the person will remain in custody,” he added.
DCOP Owusu-Bempah concluded by reminding supporters that candidates contesting for positions are not fighting, and no one should risk their freedom for politicians who may not even know them personally.
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“The people you want to fight for don’t know you. When you are arrested, they will not come for you. In fact, they don’t even know you exist,” he cautioned.
The NPP Presidential Primaries is being contested by Ohene Agyepong Kennedy, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Dr.Mahamudu Bawumia,Dr.Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Ing.Kwabena Agyei Adjepong.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
