In a significant move to ensure peaceful and transparent elections, the Beverage Consumers & Bar Owners Association of Ghana (commonly known as the Ghana Drunkards Association) has issued a directive for the nationwide closure of all drinking spots, pubs, bars, and blue kiosks. The closure is set to take effect on December 7, 2024, from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The announcement was made in a press statement signed by Moses Onyah, the association’s president. The directive aims to prevent incidents that could arise from excessive alcohol consumption on election day. According to the statement, the primary goal is to ensure that voters remain sober while casting their ballots, thereby minimizing the risks of rejected votes and ensuring orderliness at polling stations across the country.
“This directive is to ensure that consumers do not get themselves drunk before going to the polls, to avoid the counting of rejected ballots and also ensure sanity at the various polling stations during the election processes,” the statement read.
The association further called on bar owners and consumers to adhere strictly to the directive, emphasizing the importance of fostering a peaceful electoral process. They expressed confidence that the measure would contribute significantly to a transparent and credible election.
As Ghana prepares for its upcoming general elections, this initiative underscores the association’s commitment to playing a constructive role in the country’s democratic process. By curbing potential disruptions linked to alcohol, the directive seeks to uphold the integrity of the elections and promote a stable environment for all voters.
While this announcement has been largely welcomed as a pragmatic step, it also places a responsibility on bar owners and patrons to comply with the directive in good faith.
As the election date draws closer, citizens are urged to take this directive seriously and contribute to maintaining the peace and stability Ghana is known for during electoral processes.
Source: Ekuzoanews.com