YESTERDAY seven (7) flag bearers and a vice presidential candidate in this year?s presidential elections, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom of the Progressive People?s Party (PPP), Mr. John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP); Mr. Hassan Ayariga of the People?s National Convention (PNC), Dr. Henry Lartey of the Great Consolidated People?s Party (GCPP), Mr. Akwasi Addai of the United Front Party (UFP); Mr. Jacob Osei Yeboah and Nana Sarpong Kumamankoma converged at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to display their commitment to peace.
THE meeting of the presidential candidates which was convened by the National Peace Council (NPC) allowed the candidates to sign a PEACE PACT affirming their commitment to peace before, during and after the December 7 General Elections. In fact, we at Today commend the NPC for taking the bold step to bring all the contesting flag bearers in this year?s election together to make a public declaration to peace in this country.
THAT also means that the presidential candidates will be held liable for any untoward action that will be engineered by them and could possibly jeopardise the peace the country is currently enjoying. We have come a long way to let the actions of a few selfish individuals derail our efforts at building a prosperous nation.
OUR fledgling democracy has, to a large extent, been hailed by the International community and also become a learning process for many African countries practicing democracy. Although it is reassuring to hear the presidential candidates affirm their commitment to peace, we also think that they need to be preaching peace everywhere they go to canvass for votes.
WE need to be hearing more from the presidential and the parliamentary candidates contesting this year?s General Election calling on their members to refrain from things that could jeopardise the peace we are enjoying.
ALSO in the Daily Graphic of Tuesday, November 27, 2012 the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu was reported to have stated categorically that his office will not put up any defence for any member of a Zongo community who will be arrested on the charge of electoral violence before, during and after the December 7 polls. It was along this line that Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu warned Muslim youth in Zongo communities to refrain from acts that will land them in trouble and plunge the country into chaos.
INASMUCH as we think that the national Chief Imam has hit the nail right on the head we also want to say that this message also goes to all of us. We must all endeavour to stay away from actions that could spark violence. What we need to develop and grow as a nation is peace and stability.
