Elections must not erupt in violence - Akufo-Addo

Accra, Jan. 16, GNA - Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Wednesday pointed out that the 2008 elections should not erupt in violence and disharmony in the country. He said the elections should rather be used as a unifying force to unite the country so that Ghana could forge ahead into development. Nana Akufo-Addo made this observation when representatives of the Council of Muslim Chiefs called on him at his family residence in Nima to congratulate him on his election as a flagbearer of the NPP. He received the chiefs together with some of the 16 NPP aspirants who contested for the position of a flagbearer including, Mr Yaw Osafo Maafo, Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, Professor Mike Ocquaye, Mr Felix Owusu Agyapong and Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyeman.

Others present included Mr. Peter Mac-Manu, Chairman of the NPP, Mr John Boadu, National Youth Organizer and some party members. Nana Akufo-Addo urged the Electoral Commission to make proper arrangements that would make the election free and fair and he called on Imams to pray for peace in the country.

He noted that being elected as a flagbearer of a party came along with lots of responsibilities and said the NPP stood for two main things, development and the promotion of unity and integrity in Ghana. "The constitution makes it possible for all of us, no matter our background to regard one another with mutual respect and love," he said. Nana Addo stressed that, the NPP had a responsibility to ensure oneness and bring prosperity for all manner of people no matter their beliefs.

Mr. Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, one of the 17 aspirants commending the chiefs for the courtesy call said such meeting presented aspirants with the opportunity to know the problems in the country. Chief Alhaji Alikadri English, Chairman of the Council of Muslim Chiefs and head of the Hausa community in Ghana wished Nana Akufo-Addo well in the 2008 elections.