Work together and contribute to the peace of the country – Dr. Ibn Chambas

General news for Saturday, November 28, 2020

Source: GNA

2020-11-28

Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), has called on Ghanaians to work together and contribute to the peace of the country.

He said Ghana was seen as the “beacon of hope” on the African continent due to its democratic credentials and that it was important that everyone worked to protect and maintain their status in the upcoming elections.

“Ghana is seen as a beacon of hope and there is a strong understanding of democracy,” he said at a stakeholder dialogue to promote peaceful 2020 general elections in Ghana in Kumasi.

It was organized by the National Peace Council (NPC), in association with the United Nations (UN).

Dr. Chambas said that “elections are about competition and ideas, so our political leaders must ensure that the people of Ghana continue to enjoy peace and stability in the country.”

Baba Gana Wakil, Resident Representative of the West African State Economic Community (ECOWAS) in Ghana, said that ECOWAS needed Ghana as a ‘source of hope’ and inspiration for other countries, adding that ECOWAS needed Ghana to exercise a free and fair freedom, credible elections, to maintain peace in the country.

Charles Abani, United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator, urged Ghanaians to keep the peace in the December 2020 general elections to promote peace and stability in Ghana.

Mr. Simon Osei Mensah, the regional minister of Ashanti, for his part, praised the National Peace Council (NPC) and the United Nations (UN) for bringing this program to Kumasi.

He said Ghana is for all citizens and not for a specific political party, “so we must know that Ghana comes first before any political party.

Mr Osei Mensah reminded political parties that winning elections is not a matter of “life and death”.

Therefore, they must work together and contribute to peace in this year’s elections before, during and after the elections.

Osei Mensah also urged the media not to give false news to the general public.

“Peace is priceless, so let’s handle it carefully,” he added.

The Rev. Christopher Nyarko Andam, regional chairman of the National Peace Council, said the dialogue seeks to contribute to a peaceful and credible 2020 election by promoting a national platform for consensus-building among key stakeholders.

The Security Agencies, Electoral Commission, Judicial Service, National Commission for Civic Education (CNCE), Political Parties, Traditional and Religious Leaders, Civic Society, Media, Groups of Women and Youth, Academy, among others participated.

Rev. Andam urged all Ghanaians to keep the peace in the December 2020 elections and beyond.

Nana Efah Apenteng, the Omanhene de Bompata and former Ghanaian ambassador to the United Nations (UN) said that Ghanaians have a role to play in maintaining peace in the country.

He urged political leaders to encourage their members to desist from any form of political violence in this year’s elections.

Nana Apenteng also urged Ghanaians to strictly adhere to the COVID-19 security protocols outlined by the government to help slow the spread of the virus.