Ho, Nov. 1, GNA - Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia (Paramount Chief) of the Asogli State, on Sunday appealed to politicians to project the Ghanaian identity above ethnic and other parochial considerations. "Let us resolve to put our Ghanaian identity above everything else at this critical time in our history," he said, adding that those who made cheap political capital out of ethnicity should re-examine their parochial interests against the national aspirations.

Togbe Afede, who was addressing a forum organised by the Asogli Traditional Council for representatives of the political parties in the Ho Municipality, expressed regret that some politicians were using ethnicity as a strategy to win Election 2004.

"Let us remember that the adverse effects of conflicts do not discriminate among ethnic groups, it is, therefore, important that we all endeavour to keep ethnicity out of our politics as it is the root cause of most conflicts in Africa."

Togbe Afede urged politicians to pursue the truth and refrain from referring to their opponents as "devils", "thieves" and "liars". Mr Kenwuud Nuworsu, Volta Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) commended the Traditional Council for the initiative and appealed to his colleagues to help forge a united front to ensure the success of the December 7 polls.

Mr Samuel Attipoe, a representative of the Convention People's Party expressed concern about the defacing of paraphernalia of political parties and warned that the practice could undermine the peace and stability of the area.

Mr Prosper Tay, Ho Central Parliamentary Candidate for the Grand Coalition, called on the stakeholders in the December polls to ensure free and transparent elections.