Flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has said though times are currently hard in Ghana and Ghanaians are reeling under harsh economic hardship, he's confident a brighter future lies ahead.

Addressing a durbar of chiefs and people of the Abeadze Traditional Area in the Central Region during the Akwambo Festival over the weekend, the former President expressed optimism that with the right leadership, Ghana's fortunes will be turned around. 

"The message I want to leave for you, especially the young people, is a message of hope. In all adversity, we can find opportunity. There is a certain silver lining in every dark cloud. It also says that the darkest hour is before dawn. Our situation might be bad, but it is not hopeless. If we put our minds to it with the right leadership, we can turn the fortunes of Ghana around. Our country, Ghana, is one that is richly blessed with natural resources. If we restructure our systems appropriately, we will be able to create prosperity for all our people.

"I pledge that if given the opportunity by God and the good people of Ghana, what I can promise you is to work hard 24 hours a day and with honesty and truthfulness to make life better for our citizens," Mr. Mahama assured.

On his part, the Paramount Chief of the Abeadze Traditional Area, who is the immediate-past Vice President of the National House of Chiefs, Dasebre Kwebu Awusi, urged politicians to stop putting fear in Ghanaians as the country heads to the December 7 general elections.

According to Dasebre Kwebu Ewusi, politicians have unfortunately made the country look like a military battle field, scaring people unnecessarily.

“I know that very soon we’ll go to the general elections. Often times, politicians make pronouncements that put fear in the electorate, which sometimes leave the people confused as to whether they should vote or not. I’m telling the politicians that come what may, we will vote in the elections. To my people, I want you to know that elections are not about violence; you only go and vote for the one you want to lead in the running of the country.

“Why must politicians make this simple exercise very scary for the electorates? On December 7, whoever God elects as president, I urge politicians to accept the results so we have peace in our country. I further urge them to cease the politics of insults that could trigger tensions,” the Paramount chief stated.

KA

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