Nov. polls: Otumfuo devises new way to promote peace

The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei II has hinted of plans to summon flagbearers of the various political parties to a weekend of golf aimed at fostering unity as the country readies itself for the November polls.

He observes that such an exercise is accordance with the abiding principles to the peace and solidarity as they reach out to the electorate for votes.

The King announced this Sunday at the Closing ceremony of the 59th edition of the MTN Asantehene royal gold club tournament for the year 2016.

He indicated that even though he has no foreboding of civil strife, he counts it worthy of note that the good book preaches staying guard in anticipation of temptations.

His royal majesty is looking forward to seeing all presidential candidates and their supporters form multi party golf teams to contest in a weekend of pure golfing.

“I know those aspiring to the presidency and I have no doubt whatsoever in their good sense, in their good faith and their commitment to the preservation of the peace and stability of Ghana both during the run up to and after the elections,” he exuded.

He stated nonetheless that, “I am ever mindful of the biblical exhortation to pray without ceasing to constantly renew our faith lest we fall into temptation.”

“So I decided to use the platform of golf, to remind our leaders of their abiding commitment to the peace and solidarity of our land even as they reach out for the votes of our people. I am inviting all presidential candidates to join me for a weekend of gulf for peace and national unity in 2016,” he added.

Explaining the modalities for the game, the Otumfuo outlined that each presidential candidate will be required to choose a team of golfers from their camps, both men and women.

“They will not play in their party groups but they will be mixed together for a weekend of pure gulf,” he instructed.

The Otumfuo further demanded that the media heeds “a voluntary ban on political discussions to create a politics free environment in which political leaders will relate with each other in the spirit of comradeship and true sportsmanship.

He is confident “when party faithful have seen their leadership play together, talk together and cherish each other through a weekend of boundless affection, any notions of civil strife and disorder will drain out of the system.”