Appiah is Peace Envoy: For upcoming General Elections
The National Peace Council has appointed former Black Stars captain, Stephen Appiah, as Ghana's Peace Ambassador for the next Presidential and Parliamentary elections slated for November 7, 2016.
Advertisement
Appiah's appointment was announced by the Chairman of the National Peace Council, Most Reverend Professor Emmanuel Asante, during the launch of the Unity Match last Monday at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Accra.
Rev Asante explained that the Council's choice of Appiah was motivated by his years of dedicated service to the country as the captain of the national team.
He praised Appiah for an incident-free tenure as national team captain, wishing him success in his new role.
He said, "It is our humble prayer that the Lord will give him strength to fulfill his mandate. He has shown that he is a humble servant of the nation and he will continue to serve us in that regard.
“We have only one Ghana and it is up to you and me, to make sure we keep the peace. That is why when Stephen Appiah and Primeval Media came up with this wonderful idea, I wholeheartedly supported it and will help to see to its fruition in June when the matches and the event will be held.”
Appiah, in a statement before he was appointed Peace Ambassador, expressed his desire to help maintain peace and unity in the country.
“Football is the only thing that brings us together as a nation even when there’s tension in the political arena.
“Myself, Sol Cambell and George Boateng have taken it upon ourselves to preach this message of peace to all Ghanaians ahead of the December elections and we believe that the two games that we will host in June will go a long way to bring unity among Ghanaians.”
Appiah said, his role as an ambassador would not only be seen on the field of play, indicating that he had planned a series of events, including health walks, community engagements and sensitisation of supporters against violence.
He also stressed that, as an ambassador, he would take the initiative of going round the country to make people see them part of the country, while educating them against election violence.
Also present at the launch was the outgoing Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Mustapha Ahmed, the vice president of the Ghana Football Association, George Afriyie, premiership stars Sol Campbell and George Boateng, all of who pledged their support for national unity.
