Ghana concerned about Zimbabwe violence

The Government of Ghana on Tuesday expressed "deep concern" over the deteriorating political climate in Zimbabwe as it prepares for a run-off of presidential elections scheduled for Friday, June 27.

A statement signed by Mr. D. K. Osei, Secretary to the President, said while echoing the concerns of the international community over the current violence in Zimbabwe, it also wished to support mediation efforts by regional and continental leaders who were urging a return to dialogue between Zimbabwean party leaders as the only viable means to resolve their differences before the election run-off.

The government appealed to President Robert Mugabe and the entire leadership of Zimbabwe to resort to all necessary peaceful and expedient means to cause an immediate cessation of violence and mayhem in the country.

Ghana also called for the release of all political prisoners as a sign of goodwill and national reconciliation.

The government also called for the pursuit of dialogue between the government and all the opposition parties to achieve a conducive environment for free, fair and transparent elections in the country.

"The government of Ghana hopes for a speedy return to normalcy in Zimbabwe on the foregoing terms." Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai on Sunday pulled out of the run-off saying he did not want to jeopardise the lives of his supporters.

Mr. Tsvangirai, who leads the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), has now sought refuge in the Dutch Embassy in Harare saying he feared for his life.

He beat President Robert Mugabe in the March elections but could not obtain more than half of the votes to clinch an outright first round victory.