Kumasi, Oct. 24, GNA - The Old Guards Association of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed grave concern about the creeping in of ethnic sentiments in the Ghanaian politics.

They described attempts by members of the opposition to whip up ethnic sentiments on any issue as unfortunate and a recipe for chaos in the country and called for putting immediate halt to it.

In a statement signed by Oheneba Asamoah Atuahene, Chairman of the Association, and issued in Kumasi, in reaction to the alleged insult of Asantes and Cocoa Farmers by Mr Kobby Acheampong, Deputy Minister of Tourism, the group said the spin and twist being put on the issue as well as an attempt by some people to incite Asantes against the Government was unfortunate.

The statement accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of engaging in desperate and vile campaign to win political power and said such "desperate hunger and thirst" for power could only create disorder in the country.

It said the NPP must respect the will of the people in a democratic society by ensuring tolerance, patience and accommodation.

The statement said the NDC recognised and appreciated honesty, transparency and accountability governance in its desire for Ghana's peaceful and prosperous development and appealed to president John Evans Atta Mills not to be distracted by the negative propaganda being spewed by the opposition but to concentrate on pursuing the "Better Ghana Agenda".