We all have a responsibility to uphold our democracy - Otumfuo cautions

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has called on Ghanaians to work hard to protect the nation's growing democracy before, during and after the general elections.

“This is a historic act borne out of the lessons of our past and the environment in which we live today. The fact that we have never descended into the horrors of civil war does not mean we have no pain and anguish in our past,” Otumfuo stated.

“Democracy may have its own strains and stresses but it was an irrevocable choice and each one of us has a binding duty to make it work for all time. It is true that over 20 years we have had cause to be thankful for an election process that has met the test of international best practices and given Ghana the highest regard among democratic states in Africa."

“The Electoral Commissioner, Kwadwo Afari Gyan has assured us of the faithfulness of his Commission to conduct the upcoming elections in a free and transparent manner and I see no reason to doubt the faithfulness and commitment of the Commission” the Asantehene disclosed.

“The assurance of the IGP about their preparedness is also refreshing. From today, let us make the Kumasi Declaration one of the pillars of our democracy, committing us to the avoidance of any form of electoral violence, impunity and injustice.”

The Asantehene added that any individual who decides to inject any form of violence into the electoral process will be “declared an enemy of our democracy”.

Otumfuo appealed to authorities to “consider restraining the phenomenon of reckless motorcyclists during the elections to provide a more peaceful climate for voting”.