*Progressive People’s Party (PPP) parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency, William Dowokpor has called on students in Ghana’s tertiary institutions to get involved in efforts that seek to establish and maintain good governance and the rule of law in the country by contributing positively to the debates on issues of national importance.*

*He said, the qualities of the tertiary student as a mature, level headed, forward looking and idealistic intellectual should find expression in the nation’s policy visions and the processes of governance at the district, constituency, regional and national levels, insisting that ideals of the tertiary student, if appreciated by the nation in its entirety, will lead to the eradication of violence associated with elections in the country.*

*William Dowokpor made the call over the weekend, while speaking at a “Peace Praise Concert” organized by the Christian Denominations on the University of Ghana campus, at the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Chaplaincy, under the auspices of the Voice aid Foundation, to remind the university community of the need to contribute to the maintenance of peace before, during and after the December 2012 general elections.*

*The concert under the theme “keep yourselves united in the spirit, binding yourselves with peace” brought several singing and performing groups on campus together, to demonstrate their commitment to the peace.*

*The Chosen Vessel Choir, UCF Vessels of Worship, Heralds of Praise, PENSA, Aldersgate Voices, GHAMSU, Hearts of Worship, PAX and the Legon Mass Choir performed praise, worship and patriotic songs. The audience was also treated to choreography on the causes and consequences of electoral violence.*

*In his message of peace, the PPP parliamentary candidate, described election violence as any action or inaction that takes away another person’s right to present their ideas through the selection of their preferred candidate or party. He cited insults, fighting, beatings, intimidation, physically preventing others from exercising their franchise and the destruction of property and lives.*

*Wiliam Dowokpor said “the consequences of electoral violence are devastating, long-lasting and fatal. They include loss of life and property, disturbance of the peace, truncation of education, disruption of family ties, democratic and development processes, leaving generations in poverty, destitution and neglect”.*

*“This election is about our future. In all that you do therefore, you should ask if it will contribute to that guaranteed future you would want for yourself and your children’s children. Elections 2012 presents us with the best opportunity to elect visionary leaders who have identified the right things to do for the transformation of this country. I charge you to understand the issues first and when you have done so, educate your brothers and sisters who have not had the privilege of tertiary education’ he said.*