ECOWAS PRESIDENT CALLS ON POLITICAL LEADERS TO DEMONSTRATE COURAGE AND LEADERSHIP The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, has expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions in the Ghanaian polity, just as the electoral process in Ghana is coming to a conclusion. He has therefore called on the leadership of the two contesting political parties to be mindful of their grave responsibility towards moving forward the democratic process. He reiterated that since the beginning of the electoral process, the Electoral Commission, the security agencies and the electorate of Ghana have demonstrated true commitment, patriotism and responsibility that have earned the praise of the international community that Ghana and the West African region can be rightly proud of.

The onus is now on the political leadership to put the greater interest of the country above sectional interest and demonstrate leadership, courage and responsibility to do what is right to maintain the reputation of Ghana as a maturing democracy.

As the electoral process nears its logical conclusion with the 2nd January 2009 rescheduled election in Tain Constituency, the ECOWAS President has exhorted the leadership of both parties to resist the temptation to incite their followers into actions that could undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

As the West African people and the world watch the unfolding developments in Ghana with keen interest, Dr. Chambas urged them to accept the outcome with grace and avoid provoking a constitutional crisis that would negate the achievements made in the democratization process since 1992.