Exercise moderation on the Bimbilla issue - CPP

Accra, Jan. 14, GNA - The Convention People's Party (CPP) on Saturday appealed to the media to exercise moderation and circumspection in reporting on the Bimbilla conflict. Dr. Edmund N. Delle CPP Chairman and Leader told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that, "what is happening in Bimbilla has wider implications for the security of the nation and we should not assume that other parts of the country is detached from the conflict area". He said if the media were not cautious, their reportage could inflame passions and endanger the effort of security personnel, traditional leaders and well meaning Ghanaians to find lasting solution to the protracted conflict.

The CPP Chairman who is also the Chief Executive of Rabito Clinics Nationwide asked Journalists to desist from quoting eyewitnesses since they might also be aligned to one side or the other thus causing one form of problem or the other.

"They must ensure that they talk rather to the security agencies on the ground. It is unfortunate that earlier stories quoted eyewitnesses instead of the security agencies. If you quote the security agencies, you are less liable. This will reduce the incidence of publishing anything from any source."

Dr Delle also urged the security apparatus to co-operate with the media and update them regularly with the objective realities of issues on the ground.

The CPP Leader also called for the convening of an emergency session of Parliament in line with article 31 of the 1992 constitution to deliberate on the Bimbilla crisis.

He appealed to the people of Bimbilla not to take any action that would jeopardise the unity, stability and peace that prevailed in the traditional area over the last few decades. He called on all factions to lay down their weapons immediately to enable peace and calm to be restored to the area and urged both factions to ensure the safety and security of all women and children who always bear the brunt of such conflicts.

He appealed to the people to let reason control the urge of revenge, adding, "It is when you remain calm that you would co-exist in lasting peace and harmony in your area to prevent further destruction", he said.

Dr Delle called on the government to beef up security in Bimbilla Traditional Area to prevent loss of life and property and expressed the hope that the government would also ensure that the culprits would be identified and appropriate punishment melted out to them. The CPP expressed its condolence to the chiefs and people of Bimbilla, saying: "We entreat all, the protagonists in particular to remain calm and give peace a chance." "The people of Bimbilla and indeed the north should let the events in the past weeks strengthen our resolve to unite and say no to carnage, mayhem, arson and all acts that retard progress and development."