Chiefs, clergy urged to promote peace ahead of Dec. 7 polls

 The Eastern Re­gional Minister, Mr Seth Kwame Ache­ampong, has called on religious and traditional leaders to promote peace as the country approaches the upcoming general elections.

He said opinion leaders were crucial stakeholders in ensuring peace and stability of the country.

Mr Acheampong, who is also Chairman of the Eastern Re­gional Security Council (RESEC), made the appeal at a meeting with Christian religious leaders, Muslim clerics, and traditional authorities, in Akim Oda, last Friday.

The meeting followed RESEC’s tour of the region’s 33 municipali­ties and districts, aimed at engaging stakeholders on ways to maintain peace before, during and after the elections.

The minister expressed concern about rising tensions as a result of divisive language in the media that could undermine peace in the country.

Mr Acheampong called on religious organisations to use their platforms to preach peace to con­gregants.

“As a regional security body, we have been monitoring the situation, and it is important for us to engage with all stakeholders to ensure that the peace we have enjoyed remains intact,” he said.

Mr Acheampong reminded the people that every citizen has the right to join any political party or association of their choice, as per the country’s Constitution.

However, he urged citizens to exercise their freedom responsibly, and avoid inflammatory rhetoric or actions that could incite violence.

“Elections should be about ex­pressing different opinions respect­fully, without infringing on others’ rights,” Mr Acheampong said.

He said the national election task force, chaired by the Inspec­tor General of Police has been formed to ensure peace during the elections.

“We want you to remind your people that peace is costly but brings comfort, and that voting should not lead to conflict or vio­lence,” Mr Acheampong said.

Alhaji Sulemana Adamu, the Akim Oda Zongo Chief and Dag­omba Chief, said that the youth in the Zongo community had been advised against violence.

He said “We have told them that no one will plead for them if they get involved in violence,” he said.

The Omanhene of Akyem Kotoku, Oseeadeayo Dr Frimpong Manso, emphasized the importance of peace for national development.

The Paramount Chief of Akyem Bosome, Okotwaasuo Kantam­anto Owarae Agyemkum II, also pledged to work toward promoting peace in his area.

 FROM AMA TEKYIWAA AM­PADU AGYEMAN, AKIM ODA