Politics of Sunday, 23 March 2008

Source: GNA

Chiefs urged to be politically neutral

Akropong, March. 23, GNA- The Chairman of the Akuapem Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), Rev Dr Joseph Obiri Yaw Mante, has called on chiefs and traditional authorities to be politically neutral in this year's general election.

He said a situation where chiefs declare their stand and support to political parties and presidential candidates does not promote peace. Rev Dr Mante made the call at the second breakfast prayer meeting between the Akuapem Presbytery and chiefs and traditional authorities from the Akuapem Traditional Area in Eastern Region on Saturday. The meeting was a process of helping to bridge the wide gap between the traditional authorities and the church in order to ensure that chiefs play their role effectively in the church and could participate in communion to help promote their spiritual growth without any hindrance.

Rev Dr Mante observed that, Ghana had achieved so much at the political level and that nothing should be done in this year's elections to defame that achievement.

He urged the chiefs to refuse any form of inducement from any political party or political leader.

Rev Dr Mante said one of the greatest things every human beings need in life was to accept Jesus Christ as his or her personal saviour. He therefore urged the chiefs to seek for the "kingdom of God first and everything would be added unto them".

The chief of Awukugua, Nana Asare Brempong II, expressed his concern about chieftaincy disputes in the Akuapem area, which had divided a once united Akuapem traditional area and called on the Okuapemhene, Oseadeyo Addo Dankwa II to look into the matter again and ensure that peace returns to Akuapem.

The Apiredihene, Nana Saforo Okoampah also expressed great concerned about the fallen standards in education in Akuapem and called on the traditional authorities, the church and all stake holders to come together and save the situation before it gets out of hand. 23 March. 08