Don’t engage in acts that will mar December polls - Okyenhene advises electorate
The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has advised the electorate not to engage in acts that will mar the peaceful conduct of the December 7 polls this year.
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“We have held general elections for eight times, and each election was conducted in a peaceful manner. So it is not this time that people should create confusion and divide us as a people,” he added.
The Okyenhene said with the polls getting closer, the rest of the world would keenly be watching us to see how we would maintain Ghana’s enviable record as politically stable and a beacon of democracy.
Addressing the 25th anniversary grand durbar of chiefs and people to mark his ascension to the Ofori Panin Stool in Kyebi last Saturday, he advised the electorate not only to exercise their constitutional mandate of voting for their respective choices, but also accept the outcome of the poll.
“On election day, go and cast your vote for whoever you want to vote for, after which you must go home. If at the end of counting your candidate wins, take some wine, but if your candidate loses, take some chilled water to cool down.
“When votes are cast, you may emerge winner or loser, but that does not mean you are not a citizen. Elections should not divide and cause misunderstanding among us,” he said.
Event
The colourful event, which was on the theme: “25 years of sustainable leadership and service to humanity,” was witnessed by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Also present were the Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin; the Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Sir Sam Jonah, current and former ministers of state, as well as leaders of some political parties.
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Also at the ceremony were a retinue of prominent traditional rulers. They included the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II; the Okuapehene, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III; the Omanhene of New Juaben Traditional Area, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III; the Omanhene of Offinso, Nana Amoako Poku III, who represented the Asantehene, and the Paramount Chief of the Yilo Krobo Traditional Area, Nene Oklepeme Nuer Anobaa Sasraku II, and people from all walks of life.
There was a display of rich Kente and other traditional clothes by the traditional rulers and dignitaries alike.
Assurance
The Okyenhene further said that there would not be any fight among citizens, contrary to assertions by some people, “because a day after the elections, the sun will rise as usual and we will know that we are one people”.
He said there had always been peaceful polls leading to transfer of power in the country over the years, and wondered why this year’s would be different.
On illegal mining, the Okyenhene expressed his displeasure at what he called irresponsible and destructive galamsey activities that were wreaking havoc on the environment.
“If it is mining that you want to do, you must do it in a responsible manner so that harmful chemicals do not destroy our water sources and farmlands.
“Today, children are being born without properly formed eyes and limbs; you may evade arrest for causing such problems, but God’s eyes are on you,” he said.
The Okyenhene said since he ascended the Ofori Panin Stool, he had been a strong advocate for a sound environment by supporting the fight against deforestation and irresponsible mining.
He further commended President Akufo-Addo for championing sustained peace in Okyeman, including campaigns against environmental degradation over the years.
“I, therefore, commend and wish you well; I pray for God’s blessings upon you. May He keep protecting you and grant you sound health to keep us united,” the Okyenhene said.
Encouragement
The President also encouraged Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin to continue with his illustrious stewardship and not to be disturbed by attacks at him by some people, asking, “if you are being attacked, what about me”?