Ahead of the upcoming general elections, women in the Upper East Region have asked the various political parties and their teeming supporters not to compromise the relative peace they are enjoying in the name of politics.
According to them, women and children suffer the most when there is violence and that there is the need for the various political parties to conduct themselves in the lead up to the general elections and after.
The women made this known when they submitted their Peace March Statement to the two leading political parties, National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party after one thousand women from all parts of the region marched for peace on Thursday November 17 in Bolgatanga.
The women noted that the development of a country hinges on the peace being enjoyed by its citizens and advised that the situation in some conflict afflicted sister African countries should be an example for the country to choose the path of peace.
The women who wielded placards with inscription including “Votes not Violence”, “Ghana needs you alive”, “Ballots not Bullets”, “Different Parties one Ghana” marched through the principal streets of Bolgatanga amidst brass band music to drum home the need for peace before, during and after the elections.
Receiving the statement on behalf of the President, member of the National Democratic Congress Regional Election Directorate, Ahmed Tijani, said his party was committed to ensuring that Ghana continues to enjoy her peace by accepting the results of the elections. He indicated that like the President has assured of a peaceful Ghana, the NDC party was also committed to ensuring a safe Ghana.
He underscored the need for other political parties and individuals to remember Ghana is their only home and that the least violence could not only destroy their lives but rid them of their beautiful country.
On their part, the NPP reiterated their commitment towards ensuring that Ghana remains peaceful before, during and after the elections, calling on other parties to be ready to accept the results of the election.
Aniah Patience, a participant in the march who spoke to a1radioonline.com indicated that she took part in the march because women form the majority in the country and wield huge influence hence the need to spearhead the need for peace.
She was optimistic that the parties will be committed to their words to keep the country free and safe from violence and its rippling effects.
The March was organized by Women’s Situation Room, a women’s peace building mechanism that mitigates conflict before, during and after elections.
By: Offei-Akoto Ayeh/A1RADIOONLINE.COM/GHANA
