Accra, Sept. 24, GNA – Togbe Kotoku IX, Paramount Chief of Kpenoe, has commended the National Peace Council for de-escalating tensions among political parties and promoting peace ahead of the December 7 elections.
He also called on the Council to intensify its engagement with the relevant stakeholders to ensure peace before, during and after the elections.
A statement issued and signed by Togbe Kotoku IX and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, said few months ago, there were apprehension and fear of the unknown following intra and inter-party conflicts and issues concerning the creation of a new voters’ register and vigilantism.
“But the direct and indirect interventions by the Peace Council and other stakeholders are gradually reducing the tension to pave way for a peaceful, free and fair general election.
“Whilst applauding all and especially, the Peace Council for the efforts, I think it is necessary for the Council to hold more engagements with chiefs, the Electoral Commission, the Political Parties and the media for a good end to the political seasons,” the statement .
It said such engagements would also address concerns and help build confidence in the electoral system, as well as discourage people from engaging in violence.
“The media, especially, must be engaged regularly and trained on peace reporting so that they will stop conveying insults to the citizenry and focus on developmental issues.”
Conveying insults, the statement said, would only put politicians at loggerheads, saying the country needed peace to undertake its numerous developmental projects including fixing of bad roads, create jobs and build hospitals, among others.
Togbe Kotoku IX urged chiefs to speak the truth to power brokers to ensure that they rose to the occasion to contribute towards addressing development issues such as sanitation, potable water and electricity.
GNA