TOLERANCE, UNITY AND RESPECT - KEY TO PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), the Techiman District of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana working in tandem with the Techiman Traditional Council, and the Regional Peace Council launched a peace campaign programme to inform residents and voters in and around the Techiman Municipality to be tolerant, empathetic, united and respect one another to promote peaceful co-existence in preparation for the 2024 General Election.

The programme took place on Tuesday, 23rd of May, 2023, at the Presbyterian Church of Ghana Trinity Congregation Techiman, Bono East region. Reverend Ramos Twi-Antwi was the host and the Techiman District Minister. The theme was “The Role of Religious Leaders, Traditional Authorities, and Political Parties in Sustaining Peace”.

In attendance were representatives of the Regional Minister, Honorable Benjamin Gyarko who is the Municipal Chief Exertive for Techiman Municipal, the Techiman South Member of Parliament Mr Richard Asuama, the Bono East Chief Imam, members of the Association of the Persons Living with Disability (PWDs), Political Parties, and the Christian Council.

Oseadeyo Akumfi Ameyaw IV (Omanhene of Techiman Traditional Area, and a member of the Council of State) who was the Guest of Honor was represented by the Akwamuhene of the Techiman Traditional Area, Nana Owusu Gyare II.

The Keynote address was delivered by the NCCE Regional Director, Mr. Joseph Kwaku Yeboah. In his presentation, he said religious leaders have played a crucial role in the country, especially during elections. Continuing, he said religious leaders must advocate for peaceful elections through non-violent and inclusive discourses. These messages could be articulated through leaflets, the media, and more commonly religious sermons. Mr. Yeboah entreated religious leaders to stop prophesying victory ahead of the general election and exercise political neutrality.

Further, Mr. Yeboah admonished Traditional leaders to desist from endorsing flag-bearers of political parties, as this will compromise their mediatory role in electoral disputes. Expatiating on the programme, the speaker urged political parties to adhere to the Public Order Act, (Act 491) of 1994.

Concluding, he reiterated the need for political parties to send only people who are educated and understand the electoral rules and regulations as party Agents on Election Day to avoid unnecessary disputes.