Security Tight At NDC Polls

THE ATTENTION of the country�s security forces was directed at the national delegates� congress of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) which was held at Sunyani, the capital of the Brong Ahafo region, from Friday July 8 to 10. Though the exact number of security personnel detailed to maintain peace and order was not immediately known, it was believed that about 2000 combined forces of police and military were deployed for the congress which was themed �Unity And Stability In Development�. Security was overwhelmingly tight to the extent that the presence of police and the military was felt in every corner of the municipality, particularly at the congress grounds and hotels where the VIPs lodged. Wielding an assortment of guns and other security accoutrements, the battle-ready security forces sat on top of their armored cars and patrolled the principal streets of the municipality to ward off any criminal activity. As if they had anticipated an outbreak of violence, the security forces flooded every corner of the Coronation Park where the congress was held and made sure that people without proper accreditation did not get access to the grounds. Persons with proper accreditation had to go through security checks points where security forces subjected them to thorough body checks to ensure that they did not carry any offensive materials. Inside the stadium, scores of fully-armed police and military men were deployed to closely monitor the activities of delegates and other accredited persons who got access to the grounds to partake in the exercise. Probably because President Mills was a participant and a contender in the race, which he won with a landslide victory, the military took full positions on top of buildings and trees around the park which is located at the center of the municipality. Police officers from the Motor Transport and Traffic Unit (MTTU) were also detailed to take charge of streets in the municipality to ensure that vehicular traffic was controlled to lessen the burden of motorists. DAILY GUIDE gathered that apart from police and military officers brought from all over the country, commanders with special skills in crowd control were selected to take responsibility of security matters for the three-day congress. Due to the heavy presence of security forces, the congress, which many thought could degenerate into violence, took place successfully without any incidence of violence and criminal behavior.