Don’t exploit existing conflicts for political advantage – Peace Council

The National Peace Council has urged the leadership of the various political parties in the country not to exploit exiting local conflicts for their political campaigns.

The Upper East Regional Executive Secretary of the Council, Mr Ali Anankpien, made the call at a programme organized by Joyful Africa Mission in Bolgatanga at the weekend.

The Programme on the theme “Promoting Peace and Unity in the Upcoming Election: The Role of the Church”, attracted the various Religious denominations in the Region.

The Regional Executive Secretary said the exploitation of existing conflicts in political campaigns could escalate those conflicts during the election and should be avoided by all political parties.

The Reverend Pius Prah, the Director of the Africa Mission, said Churches had a crucial role to play in ensuring that there is peace in the upcoming general elections.

Reverend Prah called on the leaderships of political parties not to engage in anything that could mar the peace in the country, saying that elections were about ideologies and policies and not violence.

“To ensure a peaceful election, there is the need for all election players including the Electoral Commission, the Security Agencies, the National Commission for Civic Education and the Media to act responsibly to avoid any trouble”, he said.

The Upper East Deputy Director of the NCCE, Mr KwakuYoboah, said all the success chalked by Ghana in the area of democracy would be derailed if this year’s election experienced violence. He reiterated the need for Religious leaders to inform Political Party leaders who visit their congregations to eschew any acts of violence in the general elections.

The occasion which also attracted representatives of some political parties, was characterized by peace talks and fun games including music, Sac racing, skipping and relay competition among others.

Source: GNA