Kufuor, others send peace messages ahead of election verdict

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), in  collaboration with a number of media partners, has initiated a peace project dubbed :“The IEA Post Election Petition Peace Broadcast Series.”

As part of the initiative, peace messages delivered by eminent Ghanaians on the need for the nation to stay on the path of peace after the Supreme Court has pronounced its ruling on the ongoing election petition case, would be conveyed to the public through both electronic and print media.

Presented below is a transcribed version of the documentary series which was made available to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), one of the media partners of the project:

Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Asante, Chairman, National Peace Council

“Ghana must come first in our considerations. Our democracy must survive. We have been peace loving people and we should remain so. Whether you belong to the NDC, NPP or any other part, you are first and foremost, a Ghanaian. So let us prepare our hearts and minds to receive the verdict in good faith. Let Ghana be the winner.”

H. E. John Agyekum Kufour, Former President of Ghana

“Fortunately for Ghana, both the petitioners and respondents have declared they would respect the outcome of the Supreme Court proceedings. “I would entreat all Ghanaians to look up to the Supreme Court as the upholder of the rule of law since the Constitution is vested in the Supreme Court to tell it as is meant to be both literally and spiritually.”

“The nation needs to hold together and pray that the Supreme Court does it work well, and pray that the petitioners and respondents live by their word. And when things happen this way, it shouldn’t belong to any group or faction or party to try to upset the peace of the country. God bless Ghana.”

Johnson Asiedu Nketia, General Secretary, National Democratic Congress

“I want to urge all Ghanaians to remember that peace is something that we should not toy with. We should not sacrifice the peace of this country on the altar of seeking political power.

“I want to urge my fellow political that the game of elections is about serving your country and not destroying it. Let us demonstrate to the world that Ghana is a country where our disagreement would not result in violence.”

“I hope the verdict that will be delivered will be something that we would all rally around and move Ghana forward so that we can bequeath a better future for generations unborn. God bless our homeland Ghana.”.

Alhaji Ahmed Ramadan, National Chairman, People’s National Convention

“It is our prayer that irrespective of the direction of the ruling of the election petition, it will bring us together, and move on a one people. Let us make sure the outside world see us adding more laurels to our democratic credentials even arising out of this court case.”

“Ghana will be the ultimate winner when we close our ranks and move on, irrespective of the direction of the ruling. Let us keep together as Ghanaians and make sure our future is richer.”

Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere, Chairman, National Media Commission:

“The election petition is a reflection of our commitment as a nation to the rule of law. We as Ghanaians must stand firmly together as one people to support to support this phase of our democracy.”

“We need to accept the ruling and let’s allow it heal our wounds. Ghana must be the winner.”

Rev. Dr. Joyce Aryee, Executive Director, Salt & Light Ministries

“We cannot deny that the country is sitting on tenterhooks because of the election petition at the Supreme Court. The petitioners and respondents have said they will respect the outcome, so we their followers should support them to make this a reality.”

“Ghana is too important to toy with. So let’s move together and commit ourselves to work for a nation that has a future. We have one country to build and one destiny to work for.”

“Let’s decide that no matter which side of the divide we are on. Let’s pray for the judges that their decisions will be so clearly the way things should go. Long Live Ghana, Long live our democracy.

Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, Minority Leader in Parliament

“The election petition is a matter that will help define our democratic landscape. It must mark a watershed between the things we were not doing right and usher us into a new landscape of brightness.”

“The verdict, when it comes, should be seen by all of us as victory for our democracy and not victory for any political party. Let us all take heart and exercise great circumspection. It is not a do or die affair. It is not a make or break matter. Let us begin realize that we are in one boat. We may sink together or swim together. Let us not dim the light.”

Angela Mensah, Peace Ambassador:

“Good citizens of Ghana, very soon the Suptreme Court will give its final ruling on the election petition. As a Peace Ambassador, I appeal to all the parties involved to accept the ruling in good faith.”

“Let us encourage those around us to help maintain the peace and unityin the country. God bless our homeland Ghana.”

Source: GNA