Akwatia, Dec. 20, GNA - The Akwatiahene, Osabarima Kofi Boateng III, has called on his people to comport themselves and refrain from any act that would disturb the peace.

He said, it was vital that there was absolute peace before, during and after the December 28 Presidential run-off and Parliamentary polls at the six polling stations at Akwatia where some thugs vandalized ballot boxes and election materials during voting on December 7. Nana Akwatiahene made the call at a meeting he convened at Akwatia to impress upon political parties to ensure that their supporters comported themselves and give peace a chance.

The meeting was attended by parliamentary candidates of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Kofi Asare, National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Baba Jamal, Convention People's Party (CPP), Mr Samuel Agyei, Mr Samuel Abrokwah, Independent candidate and a representative of another independent candidate, Mr Basil Ahiable.

Also present was a delegation of the NDC led by its General Secretary, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia and Nana Ato Dadzie, Chief of Staff, during the NDC administration that went to Akwatia to learn at first hand what led to the arrest of some of the party supporters suspected to be involved in election disturbances on December 7. Osabarima Boateng expressed worry over the incident where acts of a few lawless people on the Election Day at Akwatia had dented the image of the town.

"I am deeply hurt by the incident, it has hit me like a terrible blow to myself and my elders and the town and soiled the image of Akwatia world-wide", he said.

Nana Akwatiahene said election was not war and therefore should not set people at each others throat, adding that, he would want to see "hate replace by love, unity and brotherhood in the best interest of Akwatia development".

Osabarima Boateng warned against threats to burn houses of political opponents and asked those with such intentions to abandon them since if they put their plans into operation they could be caught and drastically dealt with.

He called on his people to enter the New Year with "new heart, minds and spirit" so that, collectively they could help to rebuild Akwatia.

At the meeting, Mr Asiedu Nketia on arrival warmly shook hands with Dr. Asare and embraced him to the cheers of those present. The two men said they had been long standing friends when Dr. Asare was the Brong Ahafo Regional Director of Health Services, adding that, people belonging to different sides of the political divide should be friends and not enemies.