Statement: Akufo- Addo reaffirms his commitment to peace and Unity

The 2012 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Friday, called on the Volta Regional House of Chiefs in Ho to reaffirm his commitment to the peace, unity and stability of Ghana and the Ghanaian people ahead of the December polls.

Addressing a full house of Chiefs and Queen mothers, Nana Addo said that healthy competition between political parties is a must, so as to offer Ghanaians a choice between different sets of ideas on how Ghana can be developed.

Nana Addo, however, noted that “this should be nothing more, nothing less than a competition of ideas, commitment, competence and solutions. This competition should never endanger the Ghanaian project."

He said "in our race for economic development, the competition is not with each other, in other words, it is not between NDC and NPP or Dagombas and Kokonbas, Fantes and Gas, or Ashantis and Ewes, or Akyems and Krobos. The competition is with China, with South Africa, Malaysia, Korea, India, Brazil and other countries in the global economic space. We should never forget this."

The NPP leader told the chiefs and elders that “recently, when I was out of the country in the United States, a great controversy occurred which created a great storm. My party issued a statement on it and I fully endorse the sentiments expressed by my party in that statement, which binds all members of the NPP.”

He continued, "The matter is now before court, and I believe that the public interest demands that we allow the matter to be resolved there, and not continue to fan the issues generated by the statement."

Nana Addo made it clear that he will not tolerate the use of comments that do not bode well for the unity and oneness of Ghana.

He stressed: "I want to state here, though, with all the emphasis at my command, that I do not have any ethnic agenda to promote, and I will not condone any such agenda."

On his part, Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of Ho (Asogli) and President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs thanked Nana Addo for taking time out of his busy shedule to come and meet with them.

He said "your reason for coming here Nana, which is to speak on the peace and unity of our country is a very important one I congratulate you on behalf of my chiefs and elders for this bold initiative."

He said "Nana knows custom and tradition and so he came very well. He came with crates of assorted drinks and cash to support our work in the region."

Osie Adza Tekpor VII, Osie of Avetime and member of the Regional House of Chiefs, said Nana Addo's visit is a very strategic and useful one.

"I say it is strategic because you have assured us from your very insightful speech that you are against ethnic and tribal divisions and I commend you for adopting the right attitude”, Osie Adza Tekpor VII said.

He thanked Nana Addo for a very educative and insightful speech on the peace and unity of Ghana.

In his concluding remarks, Togbe Afede XIV thanked Nana Addo for the important visit and powerful message and said he is always welcome to join them. He prayed God's blessings for the NPP leader and wished him the very best.

Other members of the House of Chiefs present were Nana Soglo Alloh IV, Vice President of the VRHC, Togbe Delume VII, Fiaga of Ve, Togbe Gabusu VI, Fiaga of Gbi, Mamaga Amega Kofi Bra I, Paramount Queenmother of Peki and Mamaga Agbalisi IV, Queen of Akpini, Kpando, among many others.

Nana Addo was accompanied by a strong delegation of leaders of the NPP from the region.

They included Mrs Agnes Okudzeto, Former 1st National Vice Chairperson; Mr Timothy Amesimeku, Former Ambassador to Benin; Elizabeth Ohene, Former Minister of State; Mr Osei Nyame, Former Regional Chairman; Dr Archibald Letsa, NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Ho Central; Mr D D Dzorkpe, NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Ho East; Ernest Kaiwo, NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Ho West; Samuel Ohene; Douglas Woegba; NPP Volta Regional Chairman, Kenwuud Nuworsu and his team of regional executives.

Other leading members of the party present were Mr Dan Botwe, MP for Okere and Mr Boakye Agyarko, NPP 2012 Campaign Manager.

Nana Addo also took the opportunity to donate assorted drinks and GH¢10,000 to the House.