Sunyani (B/A), Dec. 18, GNA - Osahene Kwaku Aterkyi II, President of Brong-Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs, on Thursday appealed to traditional leaders to ensure peace during the presidential run-off on December 28.

He urged chiefs to ensure that the people demonstrated maturity and civility to avoid violence before, during and after the elections. Osahene Aterkyi, who is also the Omanhene of Kukuom Traditional Area, made the appeal at a general meeting of the House in Sunyani. He said "There is the need to prove to the outside world that Ghana is democratically matured, civilized and the people united as one people with a common destiny". Osahene Aterkyi said even though chiefs were barred from engaging in active politics, there was the need for them to support government to accelerate national development.

He said 13 out of 54 chieftaincy disputes in the region have been disposed of and appealed to members of the traditional councils to assist the House to settle all disputes. Osahene Aterkyi said the House intended to revamp its projects such as the bricks and tile factory at Tanoso, Oil palm plantation and sheep farming at Abesim and housing project in Sunyani. Mr. Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, Regional Minister, asked Ghanaians not to allow themselves to be swayed by politicians to cause confusion during the presidential run-off on December 28. He called on the House to settle chieftaincy disputes for the development of the region.

Mr.Baffour-Awuah said "Instead of engaging in costly chieftaincy and land disputes, you should channel your resources, time and energy into ventures that would make positive impact on the lives of your people and communities". He appealed to the chiefs to support the Regional Coordinating Council to prevent bushfires. Mr. Baffour-Awuah said the region would attain 50 years of existence next year and the Coordinating Council was planning for the celebration of the anniversary. 18 Dec. 08