Churches ask politicians to control their tongues

Concerned Churches of Ghana (CCG) on Saturday launched a campaign dubbed 'Control the tongue' in Tema to promote peace and unity during the upcoming elections.
The campaign, initiated by 20 non-denominational churches in Tema, seeks to keep reminding the public, especially politicians, to guide their speeches during the electioneering campaign.
Launching the programme, Bishop Richard Ahiagbedey, Pastor, Adonai International Ministry, said for the country to remain a shinning example to others in Africa, Ghanaians must ensure that peace becomes paramount in all their endeavours.
Bishop Ahiagbedey said the public should act and speak beyond their political parties' expectations with a focus on promoting the general welfare of Ghanaians.
“Ghanaians do not want the beating of war drums, or promotion of genocide and insults by people seeking political appointments,” he said and cautioned politicians to always remember that they cannot rule a broken nation.
He said politicians must leave an excellent legacy for the next generation by preaching peace to their followers and being tolerant of each other's views as well as talking about issues rather than exchange of insults.
“Leaders, politicians, journalists and the general public must check their tongues concerning the things they say to people as many nations have been destroyed because of what one person said some time back,” he added.
In a welcome address, Reverend Michael Asenso, a visionary for the campaign, said churches in the Tema Metropolis decided to lift up the crusade against the negative use of the tongue, adding that it was time Christian bodies sensitized the public on the things that destroys a nation.
Chief Superintendent of Police George Akuffo Dampare, Commander, in-charge of Tema Railway and Ports Police Unit, said the Ghana Police Service in collaboration with other security services has put in measures to maintain the peace during the elections.
Chief Superintendent Dampare appealed to community and religious leaders to educate their members to promote peace.
He urged the public to volunteer information to the police to help curb the crime rate in the country.
Mr Eric Bortey, Accra Metropolitan Director of the National Commission for Civic Education, called on Ghanaians to reject leaders that use abusive words on campaign platforms and asked media practitioners to desist from promoting confusion on the airwaves especially during phone-in programmes.