Peace Council condemns NDC’s ‘burial’ of Akufo-Addo, violent clashes

The National Peace Council has condemned recent violent clashes between supporters of the National Democratic Congress and New Patriotic Party at Kukuom and Walewale, as well as the mock burial of Nana Akufo-Addo.

A statement issued and signed by the Council Tuesday asked the leaders of the various parties to activate their leadership skills and hold their supporters in check to ensure that they do not engage in such provocative acts.

Some supporters of the NDC at their manifesto launch in Sunyani Sunday carried a coffin draped in posters of Nana Akufo-Addo, which has since received different interpretations and condemnation.

“We also condemn in no uncertain terms acts of provocation such as the mock burial of the NPP flag-bearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo, an act, which undermines cultural sensitivities, is divisive, tension-laden and have the potential to plunge the nation into political chaos and violence,” it said.

Last week, one person lost his eye and while another had his fingers chopped off during renewed clashes between the NDC and NPP at Kukuom in the Asunafo South District.

Offices of the Electoral Commission, the NPP and the District assembly were all vandalised by some thugs said to be supporters of the two parties.

The situation has compelled the EC to indefinitely suspend the current on-going transfer of vote in the area. Similar violence clashes between supporters of the party has been recorded in Walawale.

These incidents, the Peace Council say, does not augur well for the sustenance of peace in the country, hence urged all to pursue things that will enhance peace and unity.

“We call on political parties, especially the NDC and the NPP to maintain a high sense of circumspection and restraint as they mount their political platforms,” the statement said.

It added: “We continue to urge all to engage in issue-based campaigning as they market themselves to the nation and avoid invectives.”

The Peace Council also asked the security agencies to always act swiftly and professionally in dealing with any infractions of the law to ensure that parties, groups and individuals keep the peace and unity in the country.