The Ashanti Regional Security Service have embarked on a second route march across suburbs in Kumasi to remind citizens that safety measures are in place as election looms.

The Peace Walk, dubbed “Exercise Tafia Lafia” was a simultaneous event across Ghana on Thursday, November 27, 2020, with 10 days left for Ghanaians to visit the polls.

Security men began their walk from Jubilee Park through Kumasi Metro and Asokore Mampong. They continued on the principal streets of Tafo and ended at Ridge Park.

Addressing the officers during a parade after the exercise, The Ashanti Regional Central Military Commander, Brigadier General Joseph Aphor made known that the exercise is part of the obligations of the security service to notify citizens in Kumasi and the Ashanti Region of their preparedness ahead of the election on December 7.

He told that it is the constitutional mandate of security services to safeguard the people of Ghana and make sure that constituents across the country are safe before, during and after the poll hence their liveliness.

“We are required to do the work expected of us. We are not expected to be involved in the EC’s work because our duty is purely to provide security,” he said.

“I want to assure the people of Ashanti Region and for that matter, Kumasi that we are ready and willing on December 7 and nothing bad will happen.

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“The exercise is to let citizens be aware that we are prepared and willing to provide the necessary security for the EC (Electoral Commission) to do its work on the 7 December and for that matter there will never be problems in Kumasi and Ashanti,” he added.

As the Special voting takes place on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, The Ashanti Regional Police Commander, COP Mr Kwasi Mensah Duku told that security personnel will be actively involved, having also put measures in place to preserve safety at the various electoral locations.

The COP called on people in the region to be hopeful in the various defence services as Ghana decides her next leader in a few days. He cautioned guardians to advise their wards from electoral violence since perpetrators will not be let loose on that day.

“People are happy observing our walk and it is a sign of faith in the security service therefore it is also our duty to protect them before, during and after the elections,” he said.

“We are asking inhabitants to have faith in us for we will live up to what is expected of us. Our walk is also a signal to violators to be careful. We won’t permit any hostility this time.

"To the parents and guardians, I want you to advise your children. If any of them is arrested, we won’t show any compassion.

“We will make sure to cover every polling station with our patrol team to make the region peaceful.

"As we are doing our job to provide security, the rest boils down to you. Don’t give in to people to contract you to be violent on that day,” he added.

The final route march of the security services will take place on Friday, December 4, three days to the election.