Vote for personalities, not parties - Omanhene

Apam (C/R), Dec. 1, GNA - The Omanhene of Gomoa Akyempim Traditional Area, Obrifo Ahumaku Ahor Ankobea III, has urged the electorate to assess the capabilities and attitudes of all parliamentary and presidential candidates before casting their vote. Obrifo Ahor Ankobea said December 7 elections were critical for the welfare of the people of the country, adding, "voting must not be on mere party lines."

"Voting on party lines, especially in parliamentary elections is the bane of the under development of our rural communities," the Omanhene pointed out in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Apam.

"Voting for any candidate just because he or she was from the party we support would not help us," he stated.

He was expressed gratitude that, "the skirt and blouse" voting system had been introduced into Ghanaian politics, which meant one could vote for a different party's parliamentary candidate but would vote for his or her own party's presidential candidate or vice versa.

Obrifo Ahor Ankobea described the trend as a healthy innovation which proved the country's maturity in democratic dispensation, and added that it would make elected president and parliamentarians to live up to expectation.

The Omanhene reiterated his call on Ghanaians to make the election very peaceful in memory of the late Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu who lived for peace.

He appealed to the stakeholders entrusted with the conduct of the election to be fair to all parties since "injustice does not bring peace." 01 Dec 08