NGO appeals for peace in the north

Accra, Sept. 9, GNA - The Northern Development Forum (NDF), a non-governmental organization, on Tuesday appealed to residents of the three northern regions to put an end to any sort of violence. A statement signed by Dr Hakeem Wemah, Chairman, NDF, in Accra said: "We are particularly saddened by the recent violence that erupted in Tamale and its environs, allegedly caused by people of different political parties. Whatever reasons may be deduced for such actions, we strongly condemn any form of violence." The NDF pleaded with all those who took delight in causing trouble to desist from such acts.

It further called on those who had been causing the violence to bury the hatchet and give peace a chance. The NDF noted that the northern part of country had too many development problems to address and they should therefore not allow partisan politics to distract them. According to the NDF various political parties had been promising Ghanaians peaceful campaigns noting that it rested with them to ensure that their activities and utterances of their members and supporters reflected their call for violence-free campaigns.

The NDF called on government, the media, the National Electoral Commission, the National Commission for Civic Education and all law enforcement agencies to promote a conducive atmosphere of peace and tranquillity as the nation prepared for the December 2008 presidential and parliamentary elections.

"The aftermath of violence in some countries in our sub-region should be enough to admonish us that we cannot afford at any time and in particular in the forthcoming election to gamble with the relative peace that we are currently enjoying," the statement said.