The Regional Security Council in the Upper West Region has undertaken a one day pre-election functional simulation exercise on Thursday, 19th November, 2020 as part of preparations towards successful polls.
It was an opportunity for REGSEC to assess the preparedness of the security agencies and all the relevant bodies ahead of the Dec 7 polls.
The exercise also gave room for REGSEC to discuss the humanitarian and security crisis in case something adversely happen in the upcoming general elections.
According to the Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organization, Ahmed Mustapha, the exercise gave opportunity for the security agencies to assess their readiness towards the 2020 general elections and according to him the security apparatus is well prepared for the elections.
The Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Mr Francis Aboagye Nyarko, said standby teams which include monitoring and response teams are put in place in each district aside the polling station coverage.
He revealed that a total of 375 flashpoints are identified in the region while pointing out that all the 1,240 polling stations are classified as flashpoints.
DCOP Francis Aboagye added that they are not leaving anything to chance and therefore assured that all policemen are in high spirit and motivated to protect lives and properties.
The national deputy disaster control officer, Frank Aggrey who doubles as the facilitator indicated that the emergency team needed to test the system in place in order to respond timely in a coordinated manner to respond to humanitarian and security crisis that may arise during dispute.
“It is basically to see whether the systems we have in place are robust enough to help achieve the peace that we are all looking for in the region.” He said
The Upper West Regional coordinating director, Gilbert Nuri-Tech urged NADMO to relook at the receptive centers by locating them within the communities to reduce anxieties and immediately prepare for any eventuality.
Mr Gilbert further indicates that the exercise has enabled the Regional Coordinating Council assess the logistical situation and therefore noted that the needed logistics will be put in place before the elections.
BY: ALHASSAN TAJUDEEN
