Council of Queen mothers appeal for peaceful elections
Council of Women Traditional Leaders (CWTL) has appealed to all stakeholders in the coming elections to conduct themselves in a manner that would guarantee peaceful elections, declaring: “We don’t want war, we want peace.”
Nana Amba Eyieba, Queen Mother of Oguaa and Coordinator of CWTL, made the appeal on behalf of queenmothers at a durbar in Accra to celebrate the achievement and progress of CWTL for its 10 years existence.
She said Ghanaians could not afford to lose the peaceful atmosphere currently prevailing in the country because when there is war it is women and children who suffer the most.
She called on the security agencies, the electoral commission, political parties, the media, and the entire citizenry particularly the youth not to engage in acts that would mar the current peace in the society.
Nana Eyieba said the theme for the durbar: “From peace in the home to the nation and to the world”, was most appropriate because Ghana was in another critical stage of its democratic process of proving to be the beacon of peace in the sub region.
She said Queenmothers served as symbol of peace who occupy unique place in society to play leading role in consolidating peace at all times.
Nana Eyieba said CWTL has been able to engage the Electoral Commission to carry out electoral sensitization exercises and assist in undertaking capacity building activities for the media.
In her welcome address, Mamaga Amega Kofibra I, President of CWTL and Queen Mother of Peki, said that women commanded influence at all levels of society and thus should be at the forefront of promoting peace.
She added though the 1992 constitution defines and guarantees the role of Queenmothers, they were still not visible as their male counterparts until 2001 when the idea of forming CWTL was conceived at a conference on chieftaincy, culture and governance held in Accra.
Professor Irene Odotei, Executive Director of Institute for Research and Advocacy Training, highlighting on peace during and after Election 2012 advised Ghanaians to protect the integrity of the electoral process by conducting themselves well.
Source: GNA