By Muyid Deen Suleman
Asokore-Mampong (Ash), Nov. 29, GNA – Candidates contesting the 2024 parliamentary elections in the Asawase constituency of the Ashanti region, have signed up to an agreement aimed at promoting peace in the area before, during and after the elections.
The peace pact, which was facilitated by the Ashanti Regional Peace Council aimed at encouraging the candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves in a manner that will promote peace, foster unity and harmonious co-existence in the constituency, considered as one of the hotspots in the region.
In attendance to witness the ceremony were Nana Boakye Ansah Debrah, Asokore-Mamponghene, Mr Simon Osei Mensah, Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Kennedy Kankam, the Municipal Chief Executive, traditional and religious leaders, members of the clergy, and others.
Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak, the incumbent Member of Parliament for the Asawase Constituency, speaking at the ceremony after signing the pact, commended Mr Simon Osei Mensah, the Ashanti Regional for the effective management of security in the region.
He said despite his disagreements with certain aspects of the Regional Minister’s work, he felt it was important to recognize and commend his efforts in promoting peace in the region.
The Ashanti Region, under the leadership of Simon Osei Mensah, has witnessed a significant improvement in security, particularly within the Asawase constituency, Muntaka Mubarak emphasized.
Regarding the upcoming elections, the Asawase MP assured constituents of a peaceful electoral process.
“I want to reassure everyone in the Asawase constituency that the forthcoming election will be conducted in a peaceful manner”, he stated.
Alhaji Muntaka, however, cautioned against any attempts to undermine the integrity of the elections, stating that he would not tolerate any form of cheating.
He urged all stakeholders to ensure that the electoral process unfolded in a peaceful, transparent and orderly environment.
Mr Manaf Ibrahim, the NPP parliamentary candidate, reiterated his commitment to ensuring a peaceful election in the constituency.
He said “If there is any violence during these elections in Asawase, it will not originate from me.
I have communicated this to my supporters, and I stand by my promise.
In line with the sentiments expressed by my esteemed colleague, Hon. Muntaka, I am fully dedicated to endorsing the peace pact.
There is no cause for concern as for the first time, Asawase has not been labeled as a potential conflict zone due to our peaceful campaign efforts.
I am optimistic that in the remaining nine days leading up to the elections, tranquility, will prevail in the Asawase constituency”, he emphasized
The Asawase District Police Commander, ASP Jibril Bala, reiterated the commitment of the Ghana Police Service to ensuring the safety and security of the elections.
“I want to assure the public that the upcoming election will be conducted peacefully.
We are dedicated to creating a secure environment for all to cast our votes for our preferred candidate”, he said, adding “although Asawase has been identified as a hotspot in past elections, let us collectively strive to prevent the recurrence of such a description for this constituency”.
GNA