Volta Chiefs Against Ethnic Tension

The Volta Regional House of Chiefs has said that the increasing suspicion, rivalry and sometimes tension among the various ethnic groups in the country fuelled by politics does not augur well for the country’s progress.

“We, therefore, would like to call on all Ghanaians to receive with skepticism politics that play on the forces that divide us, that play on the sentiments that make us uncomfortable, and instead, begin to welcome endeavours that seek alliances within our nation.”

In a statement signed by Togbe Afede XIV, President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, in response to comments made by Mr Kennedy Agyapong, the Assin North Member of Parliament, calling for the attack of Ewes and Gas, the Chiefs said between peace and the chaos that had engulfed Ghana’s neighbours, the choice was certainly peace.

The statement said the Volta Regional House of Chiefs received with disgust the alleged call made by Mr Agyapong and urged all Voltarians “to stay calm and to treat the insignificant, but supposedly Mr Agyapong’s effusions with the contempt they deserve.”

“We believe they were the expressions of his personal desires only. Voltarians should be assured that the Volta Region will continue to be relevant in the nation’s development process, and will forever remain part of a peaceful, indivisible Ghana.”

The statement said, it was unfortunate that the appeal to tribalism and divisive comments had once again become a strategy of choice in the run up to the December elections.

It said while Ghana’s politicians had the right to pursue power, they should remember that those they aspired to lead had the right to peaceful enjoyment of their lives adding that true democrats recognised that the desire to lead was not a matter of life and death.

The statement said the Regional House of Chiefs appreciated the existing bonds of friendship between various Ewe and Asante chiefs and traditional area.

“Like all Ghanaians, Ewes, Gas and indeed all people of the Greater Accra and Volta regions, desire progress. We all desire development, in particular, economic development that brings hope for the future. But these can only take place in an atmosphere of harmony, peace and unity.”

Politics, the statement stated should not be an end in itself but in the spirit of consistency with the 1992 constitution should “create a strong Ghana by strengthening loyalty to the state while reducing the appeal of tribal ethnicity.”

Making reference to Ghana’s cultural policy, the chiefs stated that politics 'should foster national unity among diverse ethnic groups of Ghana by promoting cultural interaction and inter-ethnic understanding through programmes that create enabling environment for national development.

While expressing belief in the ability of the various security services to deal with trouble makers, the statement also pledged the commitment of the chiefs and people of the Volta Region to champion the cause of unity, peace and development of the entire nation.