The Eastern Regional Command of Ghana Police Service has organized a Peace Concert in Koforidua to sensitise the public on the need to stay away from violence to ensure peace before, during, and after the December 7 elections.

The concert aimed at bringing supporters of the various political parties and the entire public to appreciate unity in diversity and to conduct their campaign activities devoid of violence in the build-up to the general elections.

Eastern Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Edward Akrofi-Oyirifi, said the peace concert was part of strategies devised by the police to maintain law and order for peaceful elections.

He observed that elections, in recent times, have been characterized by violence, therefore, the need to have a platform to engage all stakeholders, particularly the electorates and the youth to embrace peace. 

DCOP Akrofi-Oyirifi also indicated that as part of preparations to ensure peaceful elections, police personnel had undergone tactical and professional training to enhance their ability to deal with challenges at the polling stations.

Koforidua District Police and Regional Operations Commander, Chief Superintendent Raymond Erzuah, said the Police can not maintain law and order alone and called on key stakeholders, who play a role in the conduct of elections, to support the Police to maintain law and order. 

He said the police would not shield anyone and that all cases of electoral violence would be investigated properly and thoroughly to avoid undue delay in prosecution, which inflamed passion.

On his part, the New Juaben South Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Isaac Appau-Gyasi, commended the police for putting up the peace concert, noting it was one of the surest ways to create a common platform for the youth to interact among themselves. 

The peace concert was patronised by a cross-section of the people in Koforidua, including representatives of the various political parties, while the police band entertained them with patriotic and highlife songs.