Presidential candidates to sign peace pact
The seven Presidential candidates contesting this year’s elections are set to sign a peace declaration in Kumasi today.
The declaration is to ensure the candidates commit to a peaceful election process by calling their supporters to order when the need arises.
The initiative was coordinated by Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), the Peace Council and the Manhyia Palace.
Executive Secretary of IDEG, Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey in an interview with Citi News indicated that the peace pact was crucial if situations such as those that occurred in Kyebi and on the premises of Citi FM are to be prevented.
On Friday November 23, a youth group blocked the road leading to the Kyebi township as President Mahama’s convoy approached, leading to clashes between members of the two leading parties.
Then on Saturday November 24, several muscled men invaded the Citi FM offices in Adabraka, in an attempt to “deal with” lawyer Egbert Faibille for comments they they claimed he made against PNC flagbearer, Hassan Ayariga which they found derogatory.
According to Dr. Akwetey, “we should not take our peace for granted. We should be vigilant based on our knowledge that we have the capacity to manage conflicts or threats to our peace and stability.”
“Our leadership are coming together to reaffirm and build confidence in ourselves that we can manage this situation we are facing. People should be calm and look up to the Police.”
“How to do it is to get the presidential candidates to clearly take a stand against any acts of violence and also support the idea that we must end impunity. People who commit electoral crimes ought to the brought to book! ”
Source:Citifmonline.com
