Abuakwa chiefs express worry about political violence in the country

Kyebi (E/R), Sept. 25, GNA - The chiefs and people of Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area have expressed worry about reports of political violence in some parts of the country.

They have therefore cautioned politicians against resorting to abusive, divisive and ethnically language meant to create confusion in the run up to the December general elections. Osabarima Kyeretwie Boakye Dankwa, Abontendomhene of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, expressed the concern on behalf of the chiefs, when Mr Samson Kwaku Boafo, Minister for Chieftaincy and Culture, paid a courtesy call on them at the Ofori Pinyin Fie at Kyebi on Thursday as part of his three- day tour to the Eastern Region. He said Ghanaians should not allow themselves to be divided by politicians since "we are one people with a common destiny". Osabarima Kyeretwie said Ghana had attained a lot of recognition from the international community due to its maturity in democratic dispensation and nothing should be done to stain those achievements. "The international community is looking up to Ghana to exhibit its high sense of political and democratic maturity in this year's presidential and parliamentary elections".

The Abontendomhene urged the various political parties not to shield any member of their parties who indulge in violent acts. Osabarima appealed to the security agencies to be alert and ensure that incidence of violence were nib in the bud. He appealed to the minister to ensure that the chieftaincy institution regained its lost glory by regulating the activities of some self- style chiefs who only create confusion. The Minister on his part said the chieftaincy institution in Ghana had attained a lot of recognition globally, as compared to institutions in other parts of the world; therefore every effort should be done to save it from ridicule. He urged the chiefs to be fair in their nomination, selection and installation of occupants to stools. Mr Kwadwo Afram Asiedu, Eastern Regional Minister, accompanied Mr Boafo on the tour. Similar durbars were held at Akyem Kotoku and Akyem Bosome Traditional Areas.