THE ASANTEHENE, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has tasked the Electoral Commission (EC) to stay neutral in the discharge of their duties before, during and after the elections, in order to maintain peace in the country.

He likened the EC to a referee of a football match, stressing the strongest need for EC to act professionally so as to win the trust and support of all Ghanaians, especially the various political parties.

The Chief of Asekyire, Nana Mensah Bonsu, who spoke on behalf of the Asantehene, observed that the neutrality of the EC would go a long way to ensure an incident-free presidential and parliamentary elections.

In this regard, the Asante Monarch admonished the EC to strictly adhere to the ethics, rules and regulations covering their duties as an electoral body without showing favour to any political party.

He was speaking during the official launch of the EIB Election Hub 2016, which was held at the plush Golden Tulip Kumasi City and was graced by top politicians, traditional leaders, businessmen, the clergy, among others.

Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh aka ‘Napo’, the Manhyia North MP, Ashanti Regional Minister, John Alexander Ackon and DCOP Kofi Boakye aka ‘Commander One’, the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, were present.

The event highlighted how the EIB Network, which owns several top media outlets including GH One TV, Agoo TV, Kasapa FM, Starr FM, Live FM, Ultimate FM, Empire FM, Agoo FM and Daily Heritage, would cover the elections.

The Asantehene sternly cautioned politicians against uttering offensive and tribal remarks during their campaign periods, since such unguided statements could inflame passions and spark unnecessary chaos.

He also admonished the youth in the country not to avail themselves for use by unpatriotic politicians to foment trouble before, during and after the elections.

Bola Ray, CEO of EIB Group, in his address, stated that the media would play a crucial role in ensuring an incident-free election in the country and therefore charged media practitioners to always be fair, accurate and firm during their reportage so that Ghana’s peace could be protected to help expedite the transformation of the country.

Bola Ray assured that the media outlets under EIB Network would provide professional, incisive and up-to-date reportage about the elections, come November 7.