Don't dabble in ethnocentrism - Peace Council

By Godwill Arthur-Mensah, GNA
Sekondi (WR), May 3, GNA - The Chairman of the Western Region Peace Council, the Reverend John Ernest Kwofie, has advised the media not to whip up ethnic sentiments ahead of this year's elections.

He also cautioned the political parties to refrain from pronouncements that had ethnic undertones in order not to inflame passions.

He said the Council was established by an Act of Parliament, Act 818, in 2011, to promote and facilitate conflict prevention, mediate and build sustainable peace in the country.

Therefore, it would, therefore, execute its mandate for the good and wellbeing of all Ghanaians.

Rev. Kwofie gave the advice when he addressed members of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA), in Sekondi.

The Council comprise 13 selected imminent persons members in society. They represent religious and traditional organisations, civil society organisations and some identifiable groups.

He indicated that the Council was mandated to undertake sensitisation programmes and offer advice to the Regional Coordinating Council and the Regional Security Council in relation to conflict prevention, management, resolution and to build sustainable peace within the Region.

Rev. Kwofie said the Council mediated in conflict that had the tendency to result in violence, and also engage in public education, create awareness of conflict indicators and make recommendations to the appropriate quarters.

The Regional Chairperson said since its inauguration in July 2014, it had facilitated activities, which promoted friendship, tolerance, reconciliation and built trust among communities.

'The Council since its inauguration has carried out activities such as mediation of land disputes and public education,' he stressed while it had outlined plans to initiate capacity building programmes for relevant stakeholders,' he said.

In order to work efficiently, Rev. Kwofie said it would need resources to carry out its mandate to sustain the peace prevailing in the Region, especially with just seven months left to the national elections.

The Council, he said, planned engaging political parties to appeal to them to engage in issue-based and violent-free campaign, and the media to ensure free, fair and balanced reportage.

GNA