Osu Chiefs damn election violence, point the way to peace

The Osu Traditional Council, led by the Paramount Chief of the Osu Traditional Area and the President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, Nii Okwei Kinka Dowuona VI has called on all Ghanaians to act within the laws of the country to ensure a peaceful atmosphere.

The Council says acts of violence and lawlessness preceding and following the declaration of the December 7, 2020 election results are un-Ghanaian and have the tendency to undermine the peace, and therefore urged all aggrieved persons to pursue redress via laid down rules.

A statement issued by the Council on Friday condemning what it described as “recent acts of election related violence taking place in different parts of the country and especially in the Greater Accra”, the chiefs said while Ghana's 2020 elections have widely been hailed as a success and been commended by “domestic and international observers as credible, transparent, free and fair” which “has further deepened Ghana's democratic credentials”, it nevertheless recognizes the fact that not all persons are satisfied with the results or outcome of the election.

“We must however remember that we live in a country which is grounded in a constitution and governed by laws. Therefore, any disagreements with regards to any aspect of the electoral process must be addressed and resolved using the appropriate procedures prescribed by the law”, the chiefs counseled.

According to the chiefs, they are dismayed, just as many other Ghanaians, “at the events that have unfolded before and after the declaration of the results by the Electoral Commission” and “believe that these events will undermine the fundamental peace and freedom on which our country is founded and that which we all currently enjoy.”

“We therefore unequivocally condemn the acts of violence and lawlessness related to the declaration of the election result that are being perpetrated. This is not a reflection of the Ghana we want to build for future generations”, the chiefs counseled.

“We must however remember that we live in a country which is grounded in a constitution and governed by laws. Therefore, any disagreements with regards to any aspect of the electoral process must be addressed and resolved using the appropriate procedures prescribed by the law.

According to the chiefs, should the developments persist, they will undermine the fundamental peace and freedom on which the country is founded and which all currently enjoy.

“We therefore unequivocally condemn the acts of violence and lawlessness related to the declaration of the election result that are being perpetrated. This is not a reflection of the Ghana we want to build for future generations.”

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that this country remains peaceful and continues to be a beacon of hope in Africa.

“Ghana is our only home so let us work together to ensure that, in the words of our national anthem, Ghana remains great and strong.

“Let us build a Ghana that we are all happy to live in: one that is based on the rule of law, the principles of good governance and seeks the welfare of its people as a priority.”