Police identify 62 electoral flashpoints in Tema

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Maxwell Atingane, Tema Regional Police Commander, has disclosed that a total of 62 spots had been identified as electoral flashpoints under his jurisdiction.

He has consequently, indicated that his command would need an additional 300 personnel from the police headquarters and other security agencies to augment the strength of his command to effectively handle the security situation in the December 7, 2012 general elections.

According to him, out of the 62 electoral flashpoints identified, the Ashaiman constituency alone had 20 flashpoints, with the then Tema East and West constituencies recording 12 each.

The Ningo-Prampram, Ada, Shai-Osudoku and Kpone-Katamanso constituencies witnessed eight, seven, two and one respectively.

The Tema police boss made the disclosure at the inauguration of the Tema Regional Joint Election Security Task Force at the Tema Regional Police Headquarters at the Tema Port on Thursday.

He explained that aside the fact that there would be about 30 reserve forces to be deployed to take care of all the 62 flashpoints in the areas, particularly Ada, Dodowa and Ningo-Prampram, two police officers would be stationed at each polling station throughout the Tema Metropolis.

DCOP Atingane observed that his outfit would institute two operational rooms for gathering information and one investigation desk for processing of matters to court when the need arises.

He advised that all drinking spots located within the 50 metres radius of the election center should close down and continue after the voting process.

He warned that the security task force would crush any person or group of persons who would parade as macho-men at any election center, or any person who would attempt to snatch any ballot boxes during the period.

DCOP Atingane called on leaders of the various political parties to advise their supporters to avoid provocative acts after the results of the elections had been declared.

He appealed to the Electoral Commission to ensure that adequate election materials and standby power supply are supplied at all the polling centers.

 

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