Akuapem Presbytery calls for peace towards Election 2012

Akropong, May 11, GNA -The Akuapem Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana has expressed concern about recent developments in the country which according to the church could jeopardize the nation's peace if not checked.

The church has therefore appealed to all political parties contesting the December polls as well as the general public to ensure peaceful electioneering campaigns devoid of intolerance, provocation, and over-reaction to opponents' views and ideologies.

Reverend Dr Samuel Ayete-Nyampong, Chairperson for Akuapem Presbytery, made the appeal at a press conference at Akropong on Friday to present a communiqué issued by delegates at the just ended Presbytery conference.

He said recent reports of violence and chaos, which characterized the just ended biometric registration exercise across the country, was a matter of serious concern.

Rev. Dr Ayete-Nyampong urged political parties and their candidates to focus on issues rather than attacking personalities, using intemperate language and ethnocentric.

“The relative peace and tranquility we are enjoying now should not be taken for granted as there are areas where troubles are smoldering and may explode” he said.

Rev. Dr Ayete-Nyampong appealed to the government to put their “search lights” on trouble spots and nip in the bud any trouble, which might rear its head.

He appealed to the Electoral Commission (EC) to create a level playing field for all political parties to ensure free, fair and transparent elections in December.

Rev. Dr Ayete-Nyampong also urged the law enforcement agencies to live up to expectation and deal with people who would try to foment trouble irrespective of their political affiliation.

He commended the media on its watchdog role in deepening democracy in Ghana since the beginning of the forth republic.

He however expressed worry with mediocrity, unprofessionalism and lack of balanced reportage, which sometimes characterized the operations of some media networks both print and electronic.

Rev. Dr Ayete-Nyampong also urged the media to curb the spate of insults, hate speech and negative propaganda that were spewed out by politicians, and radio serial callers and political commentators.

He said such developments sparked off conflicts and wars in other countries hence the need to avoid using intemperate language on air because it is dangerous to the country's fledgling democracy and to the character formation of the youth” he said

He urged management of media houses to apply stringent internal censorship to address those shortcomings before they do irreparable damage to the country.

On education Rev. Dr Ayete-Nyampong commended the government for efforts being made to provide educational infrastructure and other support to the sector across the country.

He however expressed concern about the continuous decline of academic standard at the basic level which reflects in the Basic Education Certificate Examination.

Rev Dr Ayete Nyampong appealed to education authorities to do something about the situation before it got out of hand.

He said Akuapem Presbytery was 90 years this year and plans were underway to celebrate it and commended many unsung members, who over the years, had contributed immensely to the growth of the Presbytery.

Rev Dr Ayete-Nyampong said since the creation of the Presbytery in 1922 a lot had been achieved adding that it could now boat of 22 pastoral and districts headed by well trained and competent leaders.

Other achievements included more than 60,000 membership, 320 Presbyterian Basic Schools, seven Senior High Schools, two universities, a modern office complex and a hospitality center to boost tourism in the Eastern Region.

GNA