General News of Monday, 21 November 2016

Source: 3news.com

Let peace prevail for Ghanaians to choose who they want – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama President John Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has asked Ghanaians to let peace prevail in this year’s elections for the electorates to choose which of the seven presidential candidates they wish to lead the country for the next four years.

He has therefore urged religious and traditional leaders to spearhead peace in order to reduce the rate of violence before, during and after the elections, promising to accept the results of the elections irrespective of how it goes.

“I am ready to accept the outcome of the results . If Ghanaians want me, let them decide who will be the next president but if they don’t, whoever they want should take over,” President Mahama said when he paid a courtesy call on the paramount chief of Lawra Traditional Council.

The President who is in the Upper West Region for a three-day campaign tour, was at the palace of the chief, Naa Puowele Karbo III, to announce his presence in the region and also seek his blessing.

President Mahama said it was imperative for the other candidates in the December 7 elections, to also declare their willingness to accept the outcome of the results even if it does not go in their favour.

He condemned the leaders of some political parties who he believes are finding ways and means of not accepting the outcome of the elections, noting such individuals have developed an appetite for abusive language against the Electoral Commission.

Naa Puowele Karbo commended President Mahama for calling for his commitment to ensuring free and fair elections, adding the Lawra Traditional Council is also doing its bit to unite the people against political violence.

Meanwhile, President Mahama later addressed a mini rally in Lawra where he said the National Democratic Congress on whose ticket he is contesting the election, is a party that does not discriminate against its members irrespective of their religion, ethnicity or creed.

“The NDC party is a party of opportunity. We do not discriminate , an Ewe can be a leader of the party, a Ga can be a leader of our party and a Northerner can be a leader of the party,” he said.

He later proceeded to Jirapa where introduced the NDC parliamentary candidate for the Jirapa constituency, Francis Bawana Dakura, and urged them to vote massively for him and all his parliamentary candidates.

At Wa, President Mahama promised to build shea butter factories for Upper West, Upper East and Northern region.