Security officials have been advised to ensure law and order at the polling centres to prevent violence and any activities that would threaten the safe conduct of the elections on December 7.
Nana Amba Eyiaba, Member of the Electoral Commission in charge of Brong Ahafo gave the advice at a one-day workshop in Sunyani, organized by the Commission for members of the regional election security task force.
She asked security officials, who would be detailed at the polling stations not to interfere with the electoral process, harass or intimidate voters, but rather, protect lives and properties of all political parties.
"The police are assigned to the polling stations to prevent people from misbehaving and violating the law and would not be there to do anything to suggest that they favour a particular party or candidate", the EC member added.
Nana Eyiaba, who is the Krontihemaa of the Oguaa traditional area entreated the security officials to work under the directives of the presiding officer, "who is the chief executive at the polling station", to protect the election materials and the escorting of results and materials to the collation centre.
She appealed to them to refrain from taking in alcohol, to enable them to perform their duties effectively and check all forms of lawlessness.
Lt. Col. Michael Amoah, commanding officer of 3rd Battalion of Infantry, assured the Commission that the election would be conducted in a peaceful atmosphere as the security would offer maximum support.
He called on other security officials to protect the integrity of the nation by assisting the Commission to ensure violence-free elections and to come out with credible results.
The commanding officer urged the participants to put their party affiliations aside and operate to achieve the national aspiration of free and fair elections "so that Ghana would progress peacefully after the elections".
He urged security officials who would be detailed at the polling centres to handle all cases that would arise in a very matured and professional manner to protect the nation's peace.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Seth Charles Oteng, Regional police commander, urged the participants to take the workshop seriously to enable them to deal effectively with lawlessness before, during and after the elections.