Politics of Saturday, 17 July 2004

Source: GNA

Aspiring MP advocates for peace

Accra, July 17, GNA - Mrs Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, an International Development Consultant and a former Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Legon, on Saturday urged Ghanaians to be disciplined and avoid other acts that could mar December elections.

She said Ghanaians must work hard to sustain peace and stability in the country.

Mrs Osei-Opare said: "We should be circumspect in our campaign when speaking about other personalities in the political race, and address issues other than attacking personalities to ensure that this year's election was conducted in a peaceful and conducive atmosphere." She is challenging Mr George Isaac Amoo, the incumbent NPP Member of Parliament (MP) for the parliamentary slot at Ayawaso West Wougon Constituency.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview, Mrs Osei-Opare called on the youth to avoid politicians who would attempt to manipulate them to cause violence and unrest, especially during the electioneering process.

On recent agitation and scores of demonstration about the mode of selecting parliamentary candidates for the party, Mrs Osei-Opare said such actions called for the exhibition of political maturity by all parties in the larger interest of the NPP.

The International Development Consultant therefore, called for unity and understanding within the party and urged all to work hard towards winning political opponents into their folk and avoid getting involved in unhealthy arguments and acts that would divide the rank and file of the party.

The Aspiring MP said under her tenure of office, everybody's rights would be respected and defended irrespective of ones' religious or ethnic background.

Mrs Osei-Opare dispelled speculations "by some mischievous and disgruntled political activists" that she is a new entrant and a Non-Ga, and that she would work in the interest of certain minority group within the Constituencies.

She said: "as a Development Consultant and former Lecturer of the premier University, I live above tribal politics, I am trained for the development of mankind, what the people need is one who can deliver, understand their problems and offer directional leadership."

Mrs Osei-Opare said Ayawaso West Wougon is a cosmopolitan Constituency, therefore ethnicity and tribal politics should be avoided; "we have all been living together in peace for a long time without any tribal problems and advised the constituents to reject politicians who are tribal conscious."