NDC Milton Keynes Branch

, Unted Kingdon Held Ghana For Peace, Election 2012

The branch held a prayer service for a peaceful and incident free election in this year’s election 2012 on 10th November 2012. The programme was opened by the branch chairman Mr Peter Kumadi, giving his welcome address, he stressed on the need for violent free election and political leaders accepting results and conceding defeat in the earliest opportunity to avert any fracas or incident among various party supporters. Mr Kumadi also urged all Ghanaians, both home and abroad to pray for peace in Ghana and successful deepening democracy in Ghana.

The programme was attended by leading members on the National Democratic Congress including the Chapter Executives, religious groups, and civil society groups in Milton Keynes, the various tribal groups in Milton Keynes and the John Dramani Mahama Fun Club, United Kingdom Branch.

The moderator of the programme, Dr Lawrence Akwetey, observed that Ghana have come very far and is now a model to Africa and we have to hold it high and strive on rather than plunging it into the ditch. He noted that, election should not breach peace and unity, election should not take the country back or stampede our focus of economic and socio political development.

In his sermon, Evangelist Emmanuel Adormey used Joel 2 verse 15-17 and Leviticus 26 verse 6. He stated that, God has promise Ghana peace and a peaceful election. He further noted that, we should not be destructed nor fears any human obstruction to the fourth coming election. He encouraged Ghanaians not to cease praying for God’s continuous blessings to mother Ghana. Evangelist Emmanuel Adormey led special prayers for the presidential candidates, the electoral commission, security forces and law enforcement agencies. Prayers were also said for Ghanaians both home and the diaspora.

Mr Malik Dramani Mahama gave the moslem prayers, he observed that, we are all worshiping the same God, one people and should not allow religious differences or our divergent views divide us nor create any political instability our country. He prayed for strength, health and understanding among the various political leaders and presidential candidates. He seek for Allah’s guidance and protection to mother Ghana and also prayed for the growing strength in the National Democratic Congress and urge members to stand fast and come out in their numbers to vote for one touch victory for His Excellency John Dramani Mahama.

The guest speaker of the day, Honourable Chris Akumey, who is also a legal spokes person of the National Democratic Congress paid tribute to Milton Keynes branch for taking such an initiative to organise prayer and church service for a peaceful and incident election in this year election. According to him, his overwhelmed to see this large number of Ghanaians in the Diaspora to take time of their busy schedule to gather and pray for mother Ghana irrespective of their political affiliation, religious and tribal background. He was very thankful to the various traditional leaders for upholding the culture and values of Ghana and urged the young ones to emulate the ideals from the old ones so they do not forget their route. Lawyer Chris Akumey stressed the need to consolidate our young democracy through a peaceful election and continue to be a growing model to the rest of Africa. He used the occasion to reassure the Diasporas going to Ghana to vote, not to fear or be scared. He condemned the “ALL DIE BE DIE” mantra and described it as irresponsible and reckless. He advised Ghanaians not to engage in any activities that will destruct this year’s election and also endanger their lives.

Three executives where swear in to act, namely Mr John Kaburi for Vice Chairman, Mr Rickett Arthur for Secretary and Mr Conrad Dumba for the position of Organiser.

In his closing remarks, Dr Lawrence Akwetey re-emphasise the need for peace during the election and afterwards. He noted that, developments can only happen when there is peace and stability. He praised President John Mahama for his leadership and tolerance.

Mr Wisdom Gasu gave the vote of thanks.

Eric Mawuli Koku Yeko

Public Relations Officer NDC Milton Keynes Branch