King and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Biikunuto Jewu Soale I has urged political parties to use their platforms to preach peace and eschew violence because he believes the power they are pursuing is not worth the blood of any citizen nor the tears of a grieving mother.
At a stakeholder gathering held on Saturday, November 30 at the Jakpa Palace on peace and security, the Yagbonwura opined that democracy is sustained by the election processes which he said indicates the power of choice, the hope of progress and the strength of a united people.
However, the Gonja Overlord stressed that elections have the potential to divide people not only in the communities but also at the national level if calm heads and productive judgements are not allowed to prevail in the course of elections.
The Yagbonwura maintained without equivocation that the Gonja Kingdom has over the years been blessed with long standing peace, unity and resilience.
“From the days of our forefathers, peace has been the bedrock upon which we have built our communities, nurtured our children and sustained our livelihoods, still maintain that”, he urged.
He appealed to stakeholders in the next elections slated for December 7 to focus more in maintaining peace and avoid igniting conflicts in the Gonja Kingdom.
Instead of engaging in divisive and hate speech, the Yagbonwura entreated political parties in the Savannah Region to disseminate their policies to the electorates as they gear themselves up for the December 7 general election.
He emphasised the importance of peace and called on all political actors to prioritise peace and the nation’s progress by avoiding actions that could lead to electoral violence.
He further called on the MMDCEs and the security agencies in the region to demonstrate neutrality in the conduct of their duties before, during and after the 7th December polls by dealing professionally with persons who have resolved to instigate mayhem.
The Member of Parliament for the Damongo Constituency, Samuel Abu Jinapor on behalf of the NPP Parliamentary candidates in the region assured the overlord of maintaining the prevailing being enjoyed by the people.
He also pledged to convey the message of the Yagbonwura to their support base since the people of the Savannah Region are one people.
He described the Damongo NDC Parliamentary candidate as his Uncle from the same family asserting that he will remain his uncle regardless their political differences.
Parliamentary candidate of the NDC for Damongo Constituency, Hon. Adam Mutawakilu on behalf of his parliamentary candidates in the Savannah Region pledged to ensure peace and also drum the message of the Yagbonwura to their supporters to maintain peace before, during and after the elections.
According to him, he reached out to Hon. Abu Jinapor to congratulate him after he lost the Parliamentary election in 2020 and expect that same feat be repeated because he believes it will help promote peace in the Savannah Region.
Regional Chairmen of the two major political parties in the Region assured the Yagbonwura about their commitment to peace as the country goes to the polls on Saturday, December 7, 2024.
The Yagbonwura and all stakeholders in the region signed a peace pact put together by the Overlord signalling their commitment to ensuring peace before, during and after the polls
