Politics of Friday, 9 March 2012

Source: GNA

FORDEM appeals to Politicians to desist from politics of insults

Mr Abadulai Baba Alhassan, Executive Director of the Foundation for Reconciliation and Democracy (FORDEM) has appeal to political parties and their supporters to desist from politics of insults and rather tell Ghanaians what they can do if given the mandate to govern the nation.

He said insults, lies and foul language used by some politicians could send the country into a regrettable position saying "we should not forget that some nations on the African continent were enjoying peace like Ghana, adding “due to electoral violence, Rwanda, Kenya and others have suffered.”

Mr Alhassan who was speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Accra on Thursday noted that Ghana had a good record of conducting successful Elections and it was widely acknowledged as the beacon of peace and an example to other African counties. "The world is accordingly studying and expects another peaceful election.

“Ghanaians expect that Government would not renege on its responsibility of ensuring democracy through freedom of speech, good governance and the provision of basic infrastructure.”

Mr Alhassan added that his outfit aimed at building peace, reconciliation, and democracy and to also enhance the campaign against illegal and illicit weapons.

“We are also working to reduce hunger, poverty, disease, illiteracy and improve on community development.”

He said FORDEM was also working to establish an independent institution to train the youth in the Northern Region to acquire leadership skills to enhance democratic governance in Ghana to protect and unite the citizenry.

Mr Alhassan appealed to the Electoral Commission to conduct a free, fair and transparent election in December and beyond and also called on NGO’s and civil society groups to partner with stakeholder to ensure peace in the country.

FORDEM is a non –profit organization aimed at sensitizing Ghanaians on the type of democratic governance practiced in Ghana and to establish reconciliation in the political and social spheres in the country.

It is based in Tamale in the Northern Region and operates in all sectors of the three northern regions.