Don't allow political campaign to divide us - Antwi

Obuasi, June 14, GNA- An official of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has said since democracy had come to stay in the country, Ghanaians should not allow political campaigns to divide them. Mr Emmanuel Kofi Antwi, the Adansi West District Director of NCCE, who made the call, stressed; "since democracy has come to stay with us, we cannot do away with elections and, therefore, we should avoid all divisive tendencies".

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Obuasi on the impact of the 'Constitution Week' celebrations, Mr Antwi said the increasing positive patronage from the public suggested that there was now general acceptability of the concept.

He was convinced that people had become aware of their civic rights as enshrined in the Constitution.

"Now the Constitution is not the preserve of only the Lawyers. Ordinary people on the streets are looking for copies. As I talk to you now 20 people have deposited their monies with me for copies." Mr Antwi said: "'National Integration Through Tolerance', which was the theme for this year's Constitution Week celebration, was appropriate since we need to integrate and co-exist as partners in development no matter our political affiliation."

He said the Commission would undertake a number of activities throughout the year to reflect on the theme since tolerance was essential in the coming Election 2004.

"We want to ensure and experience violence-free elections this year too", he stressed.

The District NCCE Director said the Commission had started meeting social groups like Christian and Moslem organisations to achieve national integration through tolerance and mutual understanding. Mr Antwi announced that an inter-denominational church service would be organised by the NCCE in the district to pray for peaceful elections.

"One basic activity we want to do here as a district is inter-denominational church service involving all churches where prayers would be said for all stakeholders including the security agencies that have a hand in the conduct of the elections", he said. Mr Antwi advised political parties, especially the supporters, to cooperate with State Agencies to promote law and order during the electioneering campaigns.