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06.12.2004 Feature Article

Security at Polls

Security at Polls
06.12.2004 LISTEN

Most likely sometime after Tuesday, December 7th, Ghanaians will know who will lead the nation for the next four years. The prevailing atmosphere couple with voters' interest and political savoir-faire indicates that the electorates have made up their minds who they will vote for. It seems undemanding; however, as we have observed from arguably the oldest democracy in the world, the USA system, and currently, that of Ukraine, no political system is immune to inconsistency and scruple. Some of the themes that have transpired on various campaigns by some party members are cause for concern.

Occasionally, it was not clear, what was the real message of the main opposition party, NDC. On one hand, the front runner, Prof. Mills hails himself as the king of peace, while on the other, the godfather of his party advocates revolution and turmoil should the ruling party wins the election.

Some members in the opposition have even suggested Ghana becoming like Ivory Coast. Whether these tactics and antics are intimidation or not, they are serious. It is despicable for a former president and some prominent politicians to compare Ghana and Ivory Coast in that fashion. Politics should be about issues that are of concern to the citizenry. Clearly, some of the parties have nothing to offer to move the nation forward, suggesting that they will prefer everyone else to fail in their endeavors; it epitomizes the idiosyncrasy of some African leaders. Why will anyone intone a conflict?

The government's effort to allocate 35.3 billion cedis to ensure security during and after the elections is commendable. The effort buttresses government's commitment to the rule of law, freedom of movement, and of speech. I think Ghanaians are intelligent and peaceful people to see through the cronies who wish to destabilize the nation through tribalism and utterances that incite hate and war. The recent confession by the former editor of the National Democrat, news paper, and subsequent acknowledgement of the story by the former president's special aide, suggest how some disgruntle persons within the boundary of Ghana are determine to sabotage the country.

There is nothing good that comes out of conflict: Ghanaians should take a cue from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Liberia, and Ivory Coast. Children and the poor are more vulnerable in times of conflict. Whatever the differences are in terms of political ideologies and believes, Ghanaians should not allow themselves to be influenced by certain persons who have demonstrated their loathe for peace, the rule of law, and freedom of speech unless they are in power. Let your vote fight for you in peace on December 7th and thereafter.

God bless us all.

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