Old Fadama residents commit to peace initiative
A book of Peace, an initiative to collect signatures from politicians, political activists, and other members of the public as a sign of commitment to peace in this year's election, has been launched at Old Fadama in the Odododiodoo Constituency.
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The initiative, which is under the auspices of the leadership of the Konkomba Yam Market, is also meant to educate the constituents on the need to avoid inflammatory language and activities that can lead to violence.
At the launch of the book last Saturday, hundreds of people, including traditional leaders, the clergy, opinion leaders and representatives of political parties gathered at the Konkomba Yam Market to commit to the peace process.
The launch
Chiefs from the tribes in the area such as Konkomba, Dagomba, Nawuri, Gonja, and Mamprusi, as well as the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of operation, Mr Kenneth Wujanji, a former Deputy Minister of the Volta Region during the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, Mr Joseph Kwaku Nayan, were all present.
Also present were police officers from the James Town Police Station.
The launch was preceded by a peace walk by residents of the slum community who took the campaign to various parts of the constituency.
No violence
At the event, Mr Wunjaji asked all stakeholders in this year elections to put God first in their various roles.
He urged the residents of Old Fadama not to allow themselves to be used to foment trouble, saying: "This area has always been tagged in the negative light. But all of you must commit to stay away from violence in order to remove that tag."
He signed the book of peace and gave an assurance that the National Democratic Congress (NDC), under President John Mahama, would remain committed to free, fair and non-violent election.
National interest
On behalf of the clergy, the Lead Pastor of Evangelical Church of Ghana (ECG) at Old Fadama, Rev. Maxwell K.K. Liwangol, called on political parties to put the country first as they criss-crossed the country to finalise their campaigns.
"As the days draw closer, tensions are massing up because of the heated campaign. But all stakeholders must watch their utterances in order to protect the peace we enjoy," he said.
Rev. Liwangol stated that lack of transparency in an electoral process was a major source of electoral violence, for which reason he urged the Electoral Commission (EC) and political parties to abide by the rules of the game.
The clergyman also asked chiefs and opinion leaders to take the peace campaign to their areas of jurisdiction.
He urged the youth to be cautious about their activities, asking them to resist the tendency to allow themselves to be used by politicians to cause mayhem.
Discipline during elections
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Konkomba Yam Market, Mr Noah Kwame Jiparl, has given a strong indication that the leadership of the slum community would not shield anyone who “gets involved in any electoral violence.”
"We are collaborating with the police to ensure that troublemakers are dealt with. So, we need the election to be devoid of violence," he added.
He called on the political parties contesting the 2016 general election not to think of using the youth in the area to foment trouble.
Some of the chiefs, who took turns to pledge their support for peace, asked the youth to channel their energies into positive ventures that would improve their life. They also took turns to sign the book of peace.