Chiefs call for tolerance

Chiefs on Wednesday urged political parties contesting in the December 7 elections to carry out their campaigns in a civilised and tolerant manner to ensure a peaceful and non-violent vote.

They also called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to faithfully discharge its constitutional function by conducting and supervising the election in a free, fair and transparent manner to prevent upheavals during and after the electoral process.

This was contained in a 12-point declaration, dubbed, "Osu Declaration", compiled and signed by heads of the 10 Regional Houses of Chiefs, as their contribution to the urgent call for a peaceful poll.

The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, read the declaration on behalf of the chiefs, to representatives and leaders of all the political parties, including Vice President John Atta Mills.

The declaration read: "We, the traditional rulers and leaders of the various Ghanaian communities, call upon all presidential candidates, their running mates and leaders of all political parties to carry out their partisan political campaigns and programmes without rancour and in conformity with civilised behaviour."

The chiefs also urged the Police Service to discharge their primary function of maintaining law and order during the elections.

They entreated the Armed Forces to continue to play their national defence role in a neutral manner and stay out of partisan politics.

These, the chiefs said, are necessary conditions for a peaceful and smooth democratic process.

The chiefs said they would inculcate in their people, the national qualities of tolerance, fairness, justice, civilised conduct, good sense and good humour.

"As custodians of the customary and cultural values that bind our nation together, we urge all our people to continue to uphold and sustain the culture of political tolerance during and after the presidential and parliamentary elections," they said.

The chiefs noted with regret the recent clashes among political party activists at Berekum, Alajo and Prestea and appealed to members of the public to refrain from threats and acts of violence in the exercise of their democratic rights.

They said the declaration is in the interest of the women and children and not for any political party as has been rumoured in some sections of the political spectrum.

Osagyefo Ofori Panin called on people who commit political offences to be bold and apologise, saying; "the power to our development rests on our ability and spirit to forgive one another. "Nii Adote Obuor II, acting Ga Mantse, who presided, called on political parties to abide by the ideals of the May 18 code of conduct for election that they adopted.

In separate remarks, the chiefs said it should be possible under the current multi-partisan democratic system, for parties to debate without necessarily engaging in violent acts.

They said as political parties, they must know that issues are more important than insults.

The chiefs said though the contest for leadership can sometimes be acrimonious, political parties must know that Ghana has a reputation to maintain peace. Leaders and representatives of the various political parties commended the chiefs for organising the function describing it as the best so far on political tolerance in this year's elections.

Some, however, said the Electoral Commission should have been invited.