NDC cautions against domestic imperialism

Sunyani, Nov. 17, GNA - Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, General Secretary of National Democratic Congress (NDC), has appealed to chiefs, the clergy, civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations to speak against "domestic imperialism" and other wrongful deeds that have characterized the electioneering campaign. Addressing supporters of the party on Saturday after a peace walk through the main streets of Sunyani, he said people should not remain aloof whilst these acts were committed since they (acts) had the tendency to derail the peaceful conduct of the December general election.

The regional branch of the party organized the peace walk to sensitize and create awareness among the public on the need to ensure peace before, during and after the election.

The supporters, who were accompanied by a brass band carried placards some of which read: "No selective justice", "No fairness, no acceptance of results", "We no go sit down for the EC to cheat us", "Media be fair to the NDC", "No governmental control of judiciary", "We will resist any intimidation" and "We want free and fair elections". Mr. Nketia said it was not enough to talk about peace, stressing that "Our actions should tell us that we want peace to prevail. Non-governmental organisations who are concerned should organize programmes for the judiciary about the need for peace because they also matter in the process."

He said the exercise of transfer of votes could endanger the success of the elections because if not handled well it could spark misunderstanding and confusion in the communities.

Mr. Nketia appealed to the security agencies not to compromise on professional ethics but to be spurred on by the provisions in the 1992 Constitution and discharge their statutory obligations without fear or favour.

He told supporters of the party not to allow themselves to be intimidated by any group, individual or political party to create divisions amongst themselves since that could jeopardize the chances of the party.

Mr. Mohammed Duku, NDC Parliamentary candidate for Asunafo North, appealed to the police to protect the interests of the state instead of a single political party to maintain the peace the country needed "at this crucial time".

He appealed to the clergy and traditional authorities not to take sides but "to criticize constructively, without sacrificing ideals and principles on the altar of political expediency". Other speakers were Mr. Kwadwo Nyamekye Marfo, parliamentary candidate for Sunyani West, Mr. Justice Agyemang, candidate for Sunyani East and Baba Gausu, Regional Organizer of the party.