IGP John Kudalor
The police administration says it has not backtracked on its decision to ban social media on election day.
According to the Inspector General of Police John Kudalor, the police will not hesitate to ban social media on the election day if users post information that will threaten the peace of the country, even though President John Mahama has ruled out any ban.
Mr Kudalor said currently Ghanaians have not given the police any cause to block various social media platforms on election day.
“Whether we will shut it down or not, I don’t want to go there; when we get to the bridge we will cross it. But as at now, we have no intention to shut down social media if you continue to be good citizens,” he indicated.
Mr Kudalor earlier this year indicated that if need be, the police administration would block social media on the eve of the election day.
It took President Mahama to allay the fears but unconfirmed sources claim that banning social media is highly on the card.
Mr Kudalor said this when he called on the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu and some Muslim leaders at the police mosque in Accra.
The meeting was also to seek the support of the Muslim community for free and peaceful elections.
The visit was also part of the IGP’s dialogue series with stakeholders in Accra.
A few days ago, he met members of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Christian Council of Ghana.
He said the police would continue to educate people to be circumspect in the circulation of information on social media to avoid the enforcement of a ban.
The National Chief Imam, through an interpreter, thanked Allah for the peace in the country.
He said Allah created people with different religions to enhance the ability of man to coexist peacefully.
He also added his voice to calls for peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the upcoming general elections.
By Linda Tenyah-Ayettey
(lindatenyah@gmail.com)