Think tank Election Watch Ghana has raised concerns about the escalating tensions surrounding the campaigns of flagbearer aspirants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The largest opposition party is set to go to polls on Saturday, January 31 and campaigns are heating up already.
However, reports of violence have been recorded in some areas including in Sunyani, where former Tema West Member of Parliament Naa Torshie Addo, for instance, was chased out of an enclosed space to campaign.
In a statement issued on Monday, January 19, Election Watch Ghana called on the Ghana Police Service to intervene.
It suggested that the intervention should start with an emergency meeting with all the five flagbearer aspirants and party leadership in order to establish clear guidelines and ensure adherence to a code of conduct for the elections.
“The police and other stakeholders must take immediate action to de-escalate tensions, deploy adequate security personnel to hot spots, and prevent further violence.”
The think tank also implored the party and its supporters “to exercise restraint, tolerance, and calm”.
“Democracy thrives on peaceful competition, not violence. We emphasize that the onus is on the party leadership to ensure a peaceful process and that all aspirants and supporters respect the outcome of the elections.”
It trusted that authorities will act swiftly on these measures to “ensure a peaceful, free and fair elections”, adding that regular updates are given on the situation and solutions proffered..