Offinso (Ash), Sept. 24, GNA - The Offinso Traditional Council has asked supporters and leaders of political parties in the area to be mindful of their political rights and responsibilities as they embark on their campaigns ahead of the December general elections. The Council said they should at all times maintain decency and also adhere to the tenets of multi- party democracy in their activities for the sustenance of peace at Offinso.

Nana Wiafe Akenten III, Paramount Chief of the Offinso Traditional Area, made the call on behalf of the Council, when the latter met with the leaders of political parties at a meeting at Offinso on Tuesday. Participants at the meeting included Mr Freddie Amponsah, Offinso Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Collins Ntim, Offinso North District Chief Executive, as well as leaders of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), National Democratic Congress (NDC), Convention People's Party (CPP) and People's National Convention (PNC).

The meeting was necessitated by the recent disturbances and tensions that characterized the activities of some parties in the area, especially in respect of the NPP.

Nana Akenten said political conflicts and intolerance thwart societal progress and as such supporters and activists should shun those tendencies in addressing issues or in times of misunderstanding. This, he said, was necessary since the Offinso Traditional Council would hold any party responsible for their actions and utterances, especially those that had the potential of eroding the socio- economic gains made at Offinso over the years.

The Paramount Chief cautioned party supporters, and the youth not to be induced with money and other gifts by politicians to cause mayhem of which they would regret in future. "They have to strive to be more concerned with explaining their party's vision and plans for the nation if given the mandate in the 2008 elections.

All the political leaders promised the Council that they would conduct their activities devoid of acrimony and conflicts.