Rotary national peace summit held

By Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA
Accra, June 26, GNA - The maiden Rotary International National Peace Summit opened in Accra on Saturday with a call on the youth to be agents of peace and let Ghana win by making peace be felt in the environment.

It was on the theme: 'Preserving a Millennium of Peace: Our Collective Responsibility.'

Professor Emmanuel Asante, the Chairman of the National Peace Council, said the abuse of rights of citizens before, during and after elections stems from unacceptable behaviours and the youth should not allow themselves to be used for that.

He also called on the older generation to give the younger generation the chance to contribute to the nation.

"If we are going to be able to achieve all that we are concerned about, it will be necessary for all Ghanaians to commit themselves to the project of peace,' he said.

Prof Asante therefore charged the political parties, institutions and all stakeholders to critically maintain a secured environment that would provide appropriate peaceful elections.

"Any fool can destroy, but it takes wisdom to build," he said.

Mr John Michael Appiah-Acheampong, the President of the Rotary Club of Accra-Legon said the promotion of conflict and peace resolution is one of the primary goals of rotary clubs and it is necessary for them to champion the course especially when elections is approaching.

He therefore advised the citizenry to have the interest of Ghana at heart and challenged the Electoral Commission (EC), flag bearers and the various security bodies to not only talk free, fair and transparent elections but make it happen.

"Let us all put aside our interest if self and look to the greatest good of the county, "he said.

Dr Edward Mahama, the Flag bearer of the People's National Convention called for the efficiency of government machineries to help the country move forward.

"Ghana is all we have so let us help to keep it peaceful, stable and prosperous," he said.

Mr Obed Boamah Akwa, the Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peace Keeping Training Centre (KIPTC), said the summit was timely ad it served the vision of the KIPTC in the prevention of conflict.

He therefore pledged of KIPTC's continues support in ensuring peace before, during and after the elections.

Reading a speech on behalf of Mrs Charlotte Osei, the Chairman of the EC, Madam Roselyn Okoro, commended members of the Rotary Club for a proactive initiative aimed at building bridges towards ensure a peaceful electoral process and outcome in 2016.

She said the Commission is resolute in its conviction to its part in ensuring a peaceful election.

"We are committed to ensuring an electoral process that guarantees people the right to cast their ballots without intimidation or violence,' she said.

GNA