By Yussif Ibrahim
Kumasi, Dec. 6, GNA – Political actors in the Asawase Constituency have been admonished to show the way for others to follow in ensuring peace as the country goes to the polls on December 7.
They must lead by example and rein in the excesses of their supporters which could potentially spark violence before, during and after the crucial 2024 general elections.
The Most Reverend Prof. Emmanuel Asante, a Former Chairperson of the National Peace Council (NPC), who gave the advice, said leadership of political parties in the Constituency had a duty to stop giving Asawase a bad name during elections.
He was speaking at a consultative dialogue organised by the Ashanti Regional Peace Council at Asawase as part of efforts to foster peace in the Constituency ahead of the election.
The dialogue which was funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), British High Commission and UK International Development brought together key stakeholders including representatives of political parties, Electoral Commission (EC), National Commission for Civic Education as well as women and youth groups.
Prof. Asante underscored the need for political parties in the Constituency to choose peace ahead of political interest and urged them not to compromise the safety of their supporters for political gains.
As leaders of their respective parties they must guard against any activity that could disturb peace in the Constituency, he implored them.
“By God’s grace, the Constituency has been peaceful in the run up to the election and the expectation is that you will continue to embrace peace during and after the election,” Prof. Asante remarked.
He pleaded with all political actors in the Constituency to play their respective roles effectively to sustain the peace throughout the process for the sake of posterity.
“I urge you to stand up against people whose stock in trade is to foment trouble so that Asawase will remain peaceful and vibrant after the election,
“Your constituency is just next to the Manhyia Palace, and I expect you to make the King proud by keeping the peace beyond the election,” he advised.
The dialogue, which was very interactive, provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss pertinent issues, peace, and the election.
The representatives of the NCCE and EC also took turns to take participants through the electoral processes and the dos and don’ts at the polling station.
GNA