Peaceful elections is paramount – Mahama

President John Mahama has reassured Ghanaians of government’s commitment to ensuring peaceful elections this year.

According to him, peace was paramount in the nation’s development and therefore reiterated the need for decent campaigns ahead of the December 7 elections.

He implored Chiefs to play their functions toward attaining this goal.

President Mahama was addressing the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs in Kumasi on Tuesday as he began his campaign tour of the region.

He told them that “the country needs peace to go through these elections and in this regard I call for the support of Nananom and call for their cooperation in the maintenance of peace and order before, during and after the election.”

“I also urge leaders of other political parties who are seeking the highest political office of this country to conduct their electioneering campaign devoid of provocative utterances, mudslinging and character assassination; after all we are brothers and sisters and will continue to be so even after the elections; we should therefore not do anything that will tarnish the democratic and good governance credentials that Ghana has established and is so well reputed for,” he said.

The President promised to rehabilitate the various Houses of Chiefs nationwide as means to dignify them.
“I have observed during my rounds in the regions the appalling conditions of office buildings of the various houses of chiefs, currently government is in the process of rehabilitating all these buildings and will also ensure that all ongoing projects in each region are completed so as to accord Nananom the respect they deserve in our society.”

On funding such projects, President Mahama disclosed, “Indeed Government has secured funding for these projects and the tendering processes at the various tender boards will soon take place to enable the various projects to be awarded on contracts.”

He continued saying, “providing decent office accommodation and a congenial work environment for Nananom will provide comfortable ambiance for the staff working in these offices.”

On his part, the President of the National House of Chiefs, Professor Naa-Nabila called on government to migrate all public servants onto the Single Spine Salary pay policy to end the civil unrest that ate emerging from the various labour fronts.

He said: “We really appreciate government’s effort in implementing the Single Spine Salary for workers in this country and hope you will continue to listen to the grievances of other workers who are dissatisfied with their conditions of service to avert frequent strikes of workers.”

He applauded President Mahama for his pledge to ensure peaceful elections and assured government of the Chiefs unflinching support in that direction.
 
Citifmonline.com