African leaders urged to preach peace

Tema, Feb. 23, GNA -- The Dean of Students of the University of Ghana, Legon, Dr Vladimir Antwi Danso, has called for the speeding up of process of integration in the West Africa Sub-Region to promote peace in the region. He h as therefore, stressed the need for socio-economic partners of development, especially Non-Governmental Organisations to be given a bigger role to play in the process.

He was speaking at a world's Peace and Understanding Day Dinner Dance organised by the Rotary Club of Tema on the topic creating peace in the whole West African Sub-Region.

He noted that the manner in which colonialists lumped up various ethnic groups to form states in Africa created the recipe for conflicts in the region.

He said conflict is endemic and society as well as individual human beings have the task to work to create the necessary environment that would be peaceful for people to live in.

The Research Fellow, however stressed the need for African leaders to stop "paying lip service but rather leave the word of peace in their teachings".

He stated that democracy could only strive in the region if only existing institutions like the Police, Electoral Commission and courts are also reformed on the principles of democracy.

He also mentioned for a reduction of arms proliferation in the Sub-Region as another process that could foster peace.

The Tema District Governor of the Club, Mr Yves Oswald Hans-Moevi-Akue, noted that starvation and suffering caused by violence breed disease and stressed the need for Africans to avoid conflicts if they want to prevent the horrors that they bring about.

"Instead we should be united wherever we are to change the world, bring hope, peace and justice, loyalty, tolerance and welfare to those who are desperate and are waiting for us".