Parties Outline Policies At IEA Presidential Debate In Accra

The second and final IEA debate for Presidential candidates with representation in Parliament took place in Accra last night. The flagbearers of the NDC, NPP, CPP and PNC took turns to outline their policies on various issues of national development. On crime and national security, President John Mahama of the NDC said his government will continue to improve on the good works they have started over the four year period in power. He said they have well resourced the security agencies with equipment which has led to significant drops in criminal cases. He also said the Police will be formally trained in how to handle white colour crime, especially cyber fraud. For his part, Dr Abu Sakara of the CPP said his party will strengthen security forces under cover for effective execution of their work. He said information and suggestion centres will be established in every district to tackle crime at the community level. Under the CPP, crime in offices and high places will be tackled by training and retool the Economic Crimes Unit to be up to the task. The PNC promises to re-introduce the border guard�s concept to tighten security at the country's borders. The party's flagbearer, Hassan Ayariga further noted that fighting crime calls for the concerted effort of all. His government will therefore put up free telephone lines for the public to use to help the security forces by reporting crime cases. Nana Akufo-Addo of the NPP indicated that contrary to President John Mahama's assertion that crime rate has decreased, armed robbery cases are rather on the ascendency. He stressed the need to increase the number of police personnel and the strengthening of the judicial system to enhance crime fighting. He also said the economy needs to be developed to discourage crime. On Gender, Nana Akufo-Addo of the NPP said he is passionate about the issue, especially women's participation in national development. This is because he worked extensively with women during the Kufour administration. He advocated special attention to the education of women and girls since this will empower them to aspire for greater heights. President John Mahama promised to set up a Women In Governance Fund to assist women who will want to go into politics and aspire for public office. He said his government will give women the opportunity to realize their full potential for their voices to be heard. The Presidential Candidate of the PNC, Hassan Ayariga said his government will among other things identify women's groups and empower them to go to the grass roots to support women at that level. It will also identify career women to serve as role models. The CPP said it will empower and educate women. It will also create awareness and assign queen mothers with specific roles to play in national development.