Youth must desist from violence — Prince Tanko
The youth have been asked to desist from political violence during and after the December 7 election.
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Rather, they should contribute their quota to accelerate national development by preserving the unity of the country.
The President of the Dagbon Youth Association (DAYA), Mr Prince Tanko, who made the call in an interview with the Daily Graphic yesterday said it was sad to see his fellow youth talking about violence on radio and television without being mindful of the effects of civil strife on their future.
He noted that as future leaders of the country, the youth must bear in mind that “Violence has never developed any country and it will not develop Ghana but rather destroy its hard-earned achievements since it is easier to destroy than to build.”
Women and children
Mr Tanko noted that “all the leaders of the various political parties are Ghanaians, whether they are affiliated to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) or the New Patriotic Party (NPP), hence, they should endeavour to preach unity.”
He said should violence break out, it is only a few people who would get the chance to escape and the rest, especially the aged, women and children, would realise that they have no where else to go.
Mr Tanko, therefore, urged Ghanaian youth to put the interest of the nation first before any other consideration.
He also urged them to expose any political leader who would want to use the youth to cause chaos and violence during and after the election.
He stressed that after exposing such politicians, they should be reported to the police for the law to deal with them.
Mr Tanko said nobody, especially the youth, should pledge to die for a political party since the country needed the youth to contribute to the development of their communities and the country in general.
Make a name
He stressed that the President, for whom the youth would want to die, was coming to the throne to make a good name for himself and his family.
“In the same way, the MP you are fighting for is going to make a name for himself and his family,” Mr Tanko stressed.
He called on the security agencies to be vigilant during and after the election and not to be afraid of anybody, adding that they should not allow themselves to be intimidated by any political party.
He said the security agencies were there to protect the interest of the country and not the interest of any political party, adding that any political leader who tried to cause trouble and spark violence ought to be stopped.
He attributed some of the violence in the country to negative publications in the media and urged them to distance themselves from such publications.
Inspector General of Police
He urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the security agencies to monitor media reports and media houses that publish hate stories likely to cause mayhem and be dealt with according to the laws.
Prince Tanko urged Ghanaians to desist from attacking the person of the Electoral Commissioner but rather have confidence in her and give her the moral support to enable her deliver a world-class election on December 7 this year.
He also advised chiefs who have come out publicly to do politics to desist from the practice since it made them lose respect in the eyes of their subjects.