It’s regrettable a Minister is involved in voters registration mayhem – Ghana Bar Association

The Ghana Bar Association says it is regrettable that a Minister of State and Member of Parliament is involved in the confusion and mayhem that was seen at a registration centre in the Central Region during the ongoing voter registration exercise.

According to the Association, that incident, as well as the killing of one person at Banda-Ahenkro in the Bono Region in connection with the registration exercise, are lawless and “totally unacceptable.”

Mavis Hawa Koomson who is also the Minister for Special Development Initiatives admitted on Monday to firing the gunshots, claiming that it was in self-defence when confusion broke at the centre.

Her action has received widespread criticisms from the public with some people calling for her resignation and prosecution, although some members of her party have said such calls are unnecessary.

Her action, as well as the violent clashes that led to the death of one person at Banda Ahenkro, joins the many pockets of confusion that has characterized the ongoing voter registration exercise.

The Ghana Bar Association says it is hopeful that the incidents will be duly investigated and all offenders swiftly arrested and prosecuted.

The association also called on the police to execute their mandate strictly to ensure that Ghanaians go about their civic duty without fear.

Meanwhile the Christian Council of Ghana has taken a swipe at the Member of Parliament (MP) for Awutu Senya East, Mavis Hawa Koomson over what it says was her violent firing of gunshots at a registration centre in the ongoing voter registration exercise.

According to the Council, the Electoral Commission (EC) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) must immediately launch an investigation into Hawa Koomson’s action together with other violent cases reported during the mass registration exercise.

A statement from the Eminent Persons Group of Religious Leaders under the Christian Council said these pockets of violence characterizing Ghana’s electioneering season is a major source of worry.

According to the Eminent Persons Group, such actions have the propensity of throwing the country into a state of electoral turmoil.

The statement signed by Rt. Rev. Prof. J.O.Y. Mante, Chairman of the Group in no uncertain terms slammed Hawa Koomson who doubles as the Minister for Special Development Initiatives for her recklessness, adding that persons who conducted themselves in such a dangerous manner should not be countenanced by state security.

Source:Fiilafmonline/CitiNews