Regional News of Sunday, 14 September 2003

Source: GNA

Chief calls for maintenance of peace

Pomadze, (C/R), Sept. 14, GNA - The former Paramount Chief of Gomoa-Ajumako Traditional Area, Okutupong Apata Kofi IV, has described peace as a most precious asset Ghanaians must seek to secure, and jealously protect for future generations to benefit.

This is because, without peace in our communities, districts, regions and the entire nation, efforts by succeeding governments to transform the country socially, economically and politically would be futile.

Commenting, at a forum, on recent phone-in programmes initiated by the various radio stations on certain sensitive national issues, Okutupong Apata Kofi advised politicians and their followers, as well as the organizers of such programmes, to always place the well-being of the nation first when commenting on sensitive matters connected with national unity, peace and stability.

The Former Omanhene counselled radio presenters not to take any stand when putting across topics of high political nature and also constantly advise listeners on the need to make their comments and remarks be in advisory form rather than those which tend to divide the people.

Okutupong Apata Kofi appealed to Ghanaians to reflect soberly on the need to cherish peace as, "the most precious asset" which value more than any naturally created mineral, because it is only when we live in peace and a stable society "that we can think and plan effectively to mine whatever nature has given us and transform them into fiscal money for development purposes."

He called on churches, civil societies and other well organized groups to intensify their public education against all forms of indiscipline as well as chieftaincy and other litigations to foster a lasting unity and ensure progress He also appealed to factions involved in the Dagbon chieftaincy problem to do all they could to help bring a lasting peace to the area.