Do not plunge country into darkness - MP

Accra, Oct. 7, GNA - Mr Kosi Kedem, NDC-Hohoe South, on Thursday appealed to political parties and the media to lead the crusade for a peaceful and fair election in December, devoid of insults and violence. He said: "Those who want to use the political platform to create unnecessary tension and plunge Ghana into darkness should re-think their strategy, because even if they succeed in winning the elections, their victories could turn out to be a hollow...victory."

Mr Kedem, who was making a statement in Parliament, urged all politicians to resolve to preserve the peace in the country by "using acceptable and civilised campaign methods in their bid for political power.

"Let us exercise moderation and self discipline. Let us stop the personal abuses and attacks.... Let our newspapers and radio stations exercise circumspection and restraint in their work. Let us shun and say no to political opportunists and stomach politicians. Let us discuss issues and our party manifestoes instead of resorting to insults and lies," the MP said in an appeal.

Mr Kedem said politics should not be seen as being dirty, since it was a noble vocation.

"If politics is such a noble thing because it is about rendering service to fellow men and to do good, then its attainment and use should be equally done with humility and noble intentions."

He said recent scares of coups, assassination plots and mercenary invasions coupled with the insults, character assassination and outright lies in the media were foreboding signs of danger to the peace of the nation.

"My appeal goes to all politicians and political parties to put Ghana first," the MP said.

Capt. Nkrabeah Effah Dartey (rtd), Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, contributing to the statement, urged the media to desist from peddling lies and speculation to ensure peace in the run up to Election 2004.

He also appealed to the security forces, especially the Police, to live up to expectation and not to leave any room for lawlessness and violence on the voting day.

Mrs Grace Coleman, NPP-Effiduase-Asokore, said those vying for parliamentary seats should not see the Legislature as a gateway to Ghana's heaven.

Mr E.T. Mensah, NDC-Ningo Prampram, urged religious leaders to play an active role during the elections by liaising with relevant institutions to educate their people.