Political differences main source of conflict at Kenyasi

Kenyasi (B/A) Feb. 24 GNA - Participants at a conflict resolution workshop at Kenyasi in the Asutifi District of Brong Ahafo have deplored the rapid rate at which partisan politics had superseded national interest in the area.

In a ten-point communiqu=E9 issued at the end of a day's workshop organized by Centre for Active Development (CAD) and sponsored by ACTIONAID, Ghana, the participants identified political differences as the most outstanding source of conflicts in the district. The participants, who comprised traditional authorities and opinion leaders noted that stakeholders and constitutionally mandated agencies were not doing enough to change the trend.

They called on traditional authorities, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Churches, Mosques, educational institutions, the media and civil society to change their approach to peace building to foster national development.

The participants urged the Central Government, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to undertake vigorous public education campaigns against the canker, which they said was "tearing families and friends apart".

Closing the workshop, the Asutifi District Deputy Coordinating Director Mr. J. T. Ababio asked the participants to advise eligible voters not to regard political opponents as enemies.

Topics treated at the workshop included Alternative Conflict Resolution, Peace and Development, Role of Traditional Authorities in Conflict Resolution and Resource Mobilization for community awareness building.