Project to use documentaries for peace launched

Accra, Aug. 8, GNA - A project aimed at using documentaries featuring past conflict situations in some African countries was on Friday launched in Accra to alert Ghanaians on the dangers of violence and conflicts. The initiative by Nationwide Peace Project, a non-governmental organisation, is among other interventions calling for the sustenance of peace before, during and after the December elections. Mr Gilbert Kwaku Adu, Chief Executive Officer of the project, explained that the project would sensitise the public to avoid conflicts in order to foster development that would enhance pride, dignity and sustainability of citizens.

He said the project would collaborate with the district assemblies to show the documentaries in communities, organise talks and inter-party sports competitions, among others. Mr Adu therefore asked Ghanaians not to allow the country to lose its credibility in the international community as a peaceful and democratic state.

He said elections remained one of the best alternatives to choose leaders of a country and should therefore not be made synonymous with violence, as had persisted in some African countries.

"Elections should therefore be seen as a tool for sustainable development, economically and socially, to enhance the development of the electorate by whose mandate the leaders are chosen."

Ms Cecilia Anderson, National Coordinator of Child Rights and Advocacy, World Vision, expressed worry about inflammatory statements by some politicians, social commentators and individuals in the electronic media.

She therefore asked the media to champion the campaign for violence-free elections.

Ms Anderson noted that recent increase in crime wave in the country was a threat to peace, and appealed for the use of dialogue instead of confrontation in managing conflicts.