By Bob Roco ROMEO
In a strategic pre-election dialogue, local political leaders from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) have jointly advocated for peaceful electoral conduct, highlighting the critical importance of community harmony in the upcoming general elections slated for December 7, 2024.
Nene Tetteh Kakepeemi I, NDC Chairman for Ada Constituency and Youth Development Chief of the Ada Traditional Area, delivered a compelling address during an NDC fundraising event at Heritage Lodge and Event Centre in Ada-Foah, urging citizens to transcend potential political divisions.
“On behalf of the Ada, NDC and Ghanaians at large, I admonish the citizens to remember the unconquerable spirit that passes through the insolence of the communities as we go to the polls,” he stated, stressing the need for restraint and mutual respect.
The traditional leader underscored the interconnected nature of the Ada community, warning that electoral violence could have far-reaching consequences.
“If you harm a person, you harm hundreds because Ada is known for peace in which we are a family woven from one clan to the other,” he explained.
Reinforcing this message of unity, Djietror Kingsley Ahumah, Communication Officer for the NPP, echoed similar sentiments.
“We should not play a game of conflicts but rather live in love and peace,” Mr. Ahumah said, stating that they shared familial bonds that transcend political affiliations.
Nene Kakepeemi articulated a vision of elections as a transformative democratic process. “It is my prayer that the election will be a beacon of hope, a celebration of peace, and a testament to the enduring power of democracy,” he declared.
The cross-party dialogue emphasised the potential risks of grassroots tensions. Mr. Ahumah cautioned that while political leaders with international connections could easily escape potential conflicts, local citizens would bear the brunt of any electoral violence.
“We have only one Ada and our families are here. So, let us do well to uphold the peace we are all enjoying before, during and after the elections,” Mr. Ahumah added.
Nene Kakepeemi’s emphasised resilience and collective responsibility. “Our journey must be one of resilience, kindness, courage, and triumph against all odds,” he stated, calling for a united approach to the electoral process.
The event, which brought together political representatives and community leaders, signaled a proactive approach to maintaining electoral integrity and preventing potential conflicts in the Ada constituency.
As the nation approaches a critical electoral moment, political analysts have said that these local leaders’ commitment to peace offers a promising framework for democratic engagement, prioritising community welfare over partisan divisions.
“The dialogue serves as a microcosm of broader national efforts to ensure peaceful, transparent, and inclusive electoral processes in the upcoming national polls,” Nene Kakepeemi noted.
