BY: Dennis Narterh Adzigodi, Accra.

A non-partisan and peace advocacy group, Get Together Movement (GETOM) have called for peace ahead of the 2012 Presidential and Parliamentary elections as anything contrary this will plunge the nation into chaos.

Speaking in an interview with this reporter in Accra, the initiator of the group, Mr. Daniel Osabutey, said every Ghanaian must put the nation first ahead of their various political parties towards the upcoming 2012 general elections.

He said violence will always retard the development of the nation and each and every good loving Ghanaian must fight hard towards the attainment of peace in the upcoming elections. He cited the negative and devastating effects of the recent killings and uprisings in some of our neighbouring and African countries as examples of the negative effects of violence, and has called on all to totally desist from any form of act that will spark and promote violence in the country.

Mr. Osabutey who is also a lecturer at Accra Polytechnic has added that, there is only one Ghana and all must help to protect the good image and peace the country is currently enjoying.

“There must be unity and diversity in the expressing of views. Each political party and Ghanaian must tolerate and respect the views and opinions of others to help protect the peace and political stability we are currently enjoying,” he stressed.

He further observed that the political tension which is currently building up towards the 2012 elections is so high and cited the recent incident that happened at Asempa FM during the week in Accra as an example and called on all the political parties to put Ghana first ahead of their various political party interests.

As part of their activities to save lives, the group has organised its members to join TV3 in the forth coming blood donation exercise to donate blood to the Korle –Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. They will also be organising a peace walk with all the political parties in March 2012 to create awareness on the need for a violence free elections.

Mr. Osabutey has also lauded the Ghana Peace Council for the numerous roles they are playing towards the achievement and sustaining of peace in this country.

The group which’s membership base is currently made up of majority of students of the Accra Polytechnic students will also launch its programs and activities for the year next month.

On membership, he said the group is a non-partisan movement that has been duly registered under the laws of Ghana with its ultimate aim to promote peace and unity in the country. He therefore called on all Ghanaians to join the group to help champion the cause of peace in the country since its membership is free for all.

He enumerated lack of funds and support from some of the political parties as some of the problems currently facing the group and has therefore called on individuals, companies and other Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) who have Ghana at heart to come and support the group (GETOM).

The Executive members for the Group are made up of: Mr. Daniel Osabutey (Initiator), Mr. Justine Pwavla (Legal Advisor), Mr.Gorkel Adibro Obro (National Coordinator), Mr. Patrick Amuzu (Treasurer), and Mr. Michael Konja (Secretary).

In a related development the group has issued a press statement on Friday 24 th February 2012. Below are the full excerpts of the statement:

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*PRESS RELEASE FROM GET TOGETHER MOVEMENT*

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*THEME: EMBRACING PEACE*

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Democracy is a noble and dignified system of governance, however the conduct of some of our politicians in recent times make a dent in our politics. The strategy of personality attack and the dog eat dog attitude adopted by some of our politicians should be condemned by all peace loving Ghanaians.

Why should political parties embark on character defamation campaign instead of issue based campaign? There should be a paradigm shift from this vicious circle if our quest for political power is really to develop this nation. We should not paper over the cracks, lets debate issues dispassionately to make headway.

Get together movement (GETOM) is appealing to all political parties and their supporters to be tolerant and eschew acts that will disturb the peace of this nation, before, during and after elections 2012.

Let’s all cooperate with the electoral commission to conduct a successful voter registration exercise and a violence free elections. Elections 2012 should not be a make or break affair .The Peace of Ghana should be our prime focus thus we must exhibit loyalty and patriotism.

We are calling on every Ghanaian to join the crusade to Pray for, Propagate and Practice Peace to ensure absolute peace in Ghana.

*SIGNED:*

*Daniel Osabutey ( 0277-722587)*

*Initiator of Get Together Movement *