Rev. Opuni-Frimpong entreats chiefs to contribute towards peaceful elections

Chiefs have been entreated to contribute towards violence-free elections this year by demanding fair conduct and clean campaigns from political parties and other stakeholders to ensure no life is lost in the polls. 

The Chief Executive Officer of Alliance for Christian Advocacy Africa, a CSO, Rev. Dr Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, who made the appeal, said although past elections in the country were relatively peaceful, eight lives were lost in the 2020 elections.

He said those who lost their lives were either fathers, brothers, sisters and, in some cases, breadwinners of their families.

Rev. Opuni-Frimpong, who is a former General-Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, was speaking at a forum at Amanokrom, Akuapem, in the Eastern Region, on the topic: "Election 2024 Education," on the theme: "The role of stakeholders in the promotion of peaceful general election in Ghana during and after the December 7, polls."

It formed part of activities for the commemoration of the annual Odwira festival of the chiefs and people of the area, which is under the Akuapem paramountcy in the region.

The forum was organised by the Mount Olivet Amanokrom Congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, in partnership with the Amanokrom Local Council of Churches, under the auspices of Nana Osim Kwatia II, Chief of Amanokrom and Akuapem Gyasehene.

Nation’s image

Rev. Opuni-Frimpong further said that violent deaths during elections negatively affected the country’s image, hence the need for traditional rulers to prevail on presidential candidates who often visited them at their palaces for guidance and blessings, to ensure that no life would be lost in this year’s polls.

He also advised the Electoral Commission (EC) to ensure transparency in the electioneering process to build confidence in all stakeholders.

"EC must deepen transparency by opening up to political parties and stakeholders; they should not have a favourite son or daughter among the parties", Rev. Opuni-Frimpong said.

Sustenance of peace

Nana Osim Kwatia also called for the peaceful conduct of the general election to ensure sustenance of peace in the country after the polls.

For his part, the District Minister of the Mount Olivet Congregation of the PCG, Rev. Emmanuel Otu, expressed gratitude to the Chief and people of Amanokrom, for the successful conduct of the event. 

Writer's email: haruna.wunpini@graphic.com.gh