Government condemns ethnically explosive statements

Government has appealed to all political actors to guard against ethnically divisive and explosive statements which could spell doom for the country.

A statement signed by Mr. John Tia Akolgu, Minister for Information stressed that Ghanaians must not take the oasis of peace being enjoyed currently for granted neither should we assume that the national cohesion that Ghana has become noted for was achieved on a silver platter.

The Minister therefore asked that all of us as citizens and especially political leaders to desist from attempts to create a wedge between ethnic groups and inciting ethnocentric violence.

The Minister’s statement comes in the wake of comments made by the chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Mr. Jake Obetsebi Lamptey that since Akans are the dominant ethnic group in Ivory Coast which is the same situation in Ghana then what happened in Ivory Coast could happen in Ghana. Mr. Obetsebi Lamptey’s pronouncement follows a similar one by NPP Flag Bearer Nana Akufo Addo when the latter addressed party faithfuls in the Eastern Region.

Mr. Akologu indicated that it was the responsibility of Government to protect live and property and also ensure that peace is maintained at all times hence the Professor Mills led government will ensure the absolute protection of all Ghanaians whiles pledging government’s total resolve at stopping in their tracks those who intend to take this country down the path of Armageddon.

The Minister admonished that “we should as Ghanaians work towards the further deepening of our unity in diversity.”

The statement concluded that “whiles government is committed at presiding over free and fair elections it was imperative that all political actors refrain from conducting themselves as if their very existence depended on electoral victory whether the people will give them the mandate or not.”