Reject power-drunk politicians -Chief

Brasiako (CR), Oct. 4, GNA- Nana Akwasi Appeatu IV, Chief of Assin Brasiako in the Assin North District of the Central Region has urged supporters and activists of political parties to be wary of politicians who influence them with money for their votes.

He said party supporters should gather courage and reject such politicians since their actions betrays how power-drunk they are. "Vote-buying could deprive the nation of competent and committed people to handle affairs," he noted, and called for a public condemnation of the unhealthy practice in order to strengthen the nation's fledgling democracy.'

Nana Appeatu made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at his palace at Brasiako on Wednesday, after he had performed traditional rites in observance of the "Awukudae," festival, a sacred Wednesday on the calendar of the Assin People. The buying of votes by some politicians, he said, amounted to corruption and that it behoved on party supporters to desist from making unnecessary demands from politicians.

He cautioned his people against violence, vandalism and backbiting, saying that, they should instead be committed to activities that help foster peace and unity for the development of the community. On youth employment, he said the traditional Council was negotiating with the National Youth Council (NYC) and some philanthropic civil organizations to raise funds to train the youth in skills like soap and pomade-making as well as batik, Tie and Dye.

Nana Appeatu said about 40 youth had so far been selected ahead of the training programme, which would commence soon.