State institutions, politicians charged to promote acts that ensure political stability

Chairman of the National Peace Council, Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Asante has charged state institutions, political parties and Ghanaians to promote acts that ensure political stability.

As the country prepares for the 2016 general elections, the Chairman said this will be a time for political parties to conduct their politics in a manner that promotes peace.

Speaking to Joy News, the professor cautioned the Electoral Commission to stay away from acts that cause people to question their integrity before, during and after the elections.

“The Electoral Commission must be up and doing and ensure that they do not create the impression that they are doing anything [fishy]. If they did things that cause people to doubt their integrity, it could also lead to a destruction of peace.”

It is his believe that other institutions such as the Judiciary, the Executive, security services and Ghanaians in general have an important role to play in the nation's quest to maintain peace.

Most Rev. Prof. Asante said it was important for all political parties to come together, make their grievances known and appropriate solutions provided to address them before the elections begin.

“It is important for political parties to start jaw jawing on issues that they disagree on like the voters register. They should start as early as possible and ensure that they trash out areas where there are difficulties.”

This he said requires the total involvement of the Electoral Commission.  

 He believes that a close collaboration with government, civil society groups and Ghanaians will preserve the country's political stability.

“I share the view of civil society; all we are saying is that let us all be mindful of the fact that if we do not handle our political situation carefully it can degenerate into violent situations.”

He is however confident that the country will choose peace over violence but advised that people be willing to accept the views of others at all times regardless of their political affiliations.