Election 2016 a matter of choice not war - BA chief

The president of the Brong Ahafo House of Chiefs, Pemampem Yaw Kabrese Yejimanhene has called on Ghanaians to be peaceful before, during and after the forthcoming presidential and parliamentary polls slated for December 7.

He said in a speech delivered on his behalf by Prof. Obrempong Koramansa Boakye, Omanhene of Nsuatre traditional council, that Ghana is a beacon of peace and hope in Africa and that all must endeavor to jealously guard that prestige.

“This is due mainly to our democratic dispensation and the way and manner we have conducted ourselves in the past elections,” said Prof. Boakye on Friday at the 32nd National Farmers’ Day celebration in Kintampo.

His comments come at the back of warnings from statesmen including former president JJ Rawlings that the atmosphere ahead of the December 7 polls is bound to be fiery.

“Things will heat up very soon. But no matter how far it takes, let’s not take it to the edge,” Rawlings cautioned.

The Director of Operations of the Ghana Police Service, Chief Superintendent Dr. Benjamin K. Agordzo also stated earlier this year that the atmosphere to the elections was enormously volatile.

“The stakes are very high,” he warned, observing that if care was not taken, the polls could be marred by violence.

That notwithstanding, observed the BA chief, the 2016 polls are a “matter of choice not war.”

He thus humbly appealed to every Ghanaian to allow “peace to reign before, during and after the December elections.”

“Nananum on our part, will do all we can to ensure that the peace that is certainly prevailing in this country is not sacrificed on the altar of elections,” he added.