ATIK MOHAMMED, Executive Director of Mass Action Committee
A civil society group by name, Mass Action Committee (MAC) has called on the Police to rein in persons who stormed the City Escape Hotel where some members of the Electoral Commission (EC) had converged to discuss routine matters.
Speaking to the Ghanaian Observer Newspaper on Tuesday, Atik Mohammed, Executive Secretary of MAC said that the thugs who were seen at the entrance of the gate of the hotel led by the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Dzata George could have harmed members of the EC.
Mr Mohammed noted the actions of the persons as well as the MP constituted an offence against the state since the workings of the Electoral Commission was constitutional and backed by law.
Giving more detail, the Executive Secretary revealed that the EC openly demonstrated the needed COVID 19 preventive protocols and measures as announced by the President at the meeting.
‘’It is the view of MAC that the mob’s presence at the meeting venue and their ensuing actions posed a danger to the safety of the EC officials’’, Mr Mohammed intimated.
SUSPICION:
Mr Atik Mohammed said he has strong suspicion that some elements within the opposition NDC party are bent on using intimidating tactics to get the EC to do its bidding.
He therefore urged the Police to be rigorous on persons who would be found to have stormed the hotel illegally.
The Executive Director proposed stiffer treatment for anyone found to be plotting or planning any illegal action against the EC.
He noted that with the incessant of attacks on the EC, failure by the Police to provide better protection for its actions can be disastrous.
‘’We would like to suggest to the EC that henceforth they should engage the Police to provide them with adequate protection during their meetings and activities whether routine or otherwise’, Mr Mohammed posited.
ADVICE:
The Executive secretary has meanwhile advised all political parties to support the EC in its activities.
This, he noted would help the country have credible elections since all parties would be involved in every aspect of the preparations.
The director noted the quest for successful elections would be dependent on how stakeholders including political parties conduct themselves.
‘’Political parties rather than seeking to antagonize the EC in its work must collaborate with the Commission to fine tune all processes in the lead up to the 2020 elections’’, the Executive Director stressed.
