Government has given its assurance that the maiden town hall meetings to begin in Tamale on Wednesday will be devoid of violence. “I am confident the Town Hall Meetings will be peaceful,” presidential press secretary Mahama Ayariga told Joy News’ Dzifa Bampoe on Monday. The Town Hall Meetings is part of President Mills’ promise of bringing governance to the door steps of the citizens by allowing members of the constituency to ask questions of District and Municipal Chief Executives and give suggestions on pertinent developmental issues affecting the community. It is a variation of the Peoples Assembly implemented by the erstwhile NPP administration. Even before the meeting kick starts on Wednesday, a youth wing of the NPP has raised concerns over their personal safety at the meeting ground. They fear they might be attacked by the NDC youth for holding a different opinion. Spokesperson of the group, Salifu Sule told Joy News they ‘smell’ chaos in the air knowing too well how intolerant some of their opponents are. According to him, some of his members have suffered brutalities in the hands of these known activists of the ruling party, in the past but a seeming lack of concern by the police has jolted their calls for justice. He called for police protection ahead of Wednesday’s meeting, the first of its kind in the nine months old administration of the NDC. Mahama Ayariga told Joy News the meeting is a “more forward looking platform” aimed at giving directions to the running of the community. He indicated the initiative will be bipartisan and put to rest concerns of violence raised by opposition NPP. He said the government will not want violence to divert attention from key developmental issues, adding, organisers have been in constant touch with the security to ensure safety of all participants. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana