General News of Tuesday, 11 November 2008

Source: GNA

Political leaders cautioned not to inflame passions

Agona Kwanyako(C/R), Nov. 11, GNA - The Kyidomhene of Agona Nyakrom traditional area, Barima Ampim Darko V, has cautioned political leaders to guard against utterances that would inflame passions and possibly plunge the nation into chaos. He said it was important for the leaders, especially that of the two major parties, the Ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC), to be cautious when they mount platforms to campaign.

Barima Darko said these, when he addressed the chiefs and the people of Agona Kwanyako during this year's yam festival celebration at Kwanyako, in the Agona East District of the Central Region. He said political leaders must refrain from insulting, character assassination and maligning each other, which he said, does not augur well for the nation. Barima Darko stressed that, it would be important for the leaders to advise their supporters to respect the rules and regulations governing the elections and also show love to every one, irrespective of party affiliation, to ensure peace and stability. The Kyidomhene declared that the leaders and other functionaries should rather outline the policies and programmes of their parties, if voted into power.

He said whoever emerges the winner, should consider re-establishing the workers brigades and the state farms, to create jobs for the youth. Barima Darko urged politicians to stop what he described as "political Talk ", where they make promises they cannot fulfill. He called on party leaders and supporters to ensure that the Electoral Commission (EC) discharges its duties well. Barima Darko said the EC was appointed by the government and the political parties should allow the Commission to strictly follow the laid down procedures to ensure a peaceful elections. The Kyidomhene warned media houses to be mindful of their reportage, adding that, practitioners should not rush to announce or declare election results that had not certified by the EC. He called on Christians and Muslims to intensify their prayers as the nation prepares for the December 7, polls, saying that, the parties must know that, "at the end of the day, Ghana comes first". 11 Nov. 08