The Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), John Alexander Ackon has observed that the role of the media is vital in the activities of the inter-party dialogue committee as they could contribute to ensuring peace in this year’s general elections.

He said a biased news report could have negative repercussions in the society and called for fairness in the media to enable the people to make informed decisions.

Mr Ackon was speaking at the inauguration of a 28-member Inter-Party Dialogue Committee, which among other functions, seeks to promote peace and resolve conflict before, during and after the December general elections.

The Committee is also expected to work hand in hand with the regional and national enforcement bodies on the code of conduct for political parties.

The MCE noted that campaign violence, use of provocative and abusive language and rigging of elections should be some of the violations the committee should take cognizance of.

He gave the assurance that the NDC government would do everything possible within its means to ensure a free and fair election in the country.

Inaugurating the committee, Mr S.Y Asamoah, the Adansi North District Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), who represented the Ashanti Regional NCCE Director, said the committee was very important since it served as a vehicle for peace.

Mr Asamoah emphasized that the political parties themselves should act as pillars of peace and urged the committee to direct their attention on the youth, who normally involve themselves in violence.

The Obuasi Municipal Director of NCCE, Mr Emmanuel Duah Attobrah said the country’s democratic dispensation had been improving with every election and called on the people to help protect “this enviable democratic record”.

The NCCE Director stressed on culture of tolerance and charged politicians to place Ghana first in all their activities.

Venerable Garnet Prah-Arthur, the Archdeacon of the Obuasi Archdeaconry of the Anglican Church, who presided, drew Ghanaians attention to political violence in some neighbouring countries and stressed “we have an onerous duty to uphold the high image of the conduct of peaceful elections in the country”.

The committee is made up of representatives of political parties, the Obuasi Municipal assembly, Chiefs, religious bodies, women groups, the media and the security services, among other groups.