Nkoranza (B/A), July 27, GNA - Mr Raphael Alorwu, Nkoranza District National Service Coordinator, has appealed to leaders of political parties to advise their supporters against the use of hard drugs and alcohol during campaigns.

He said these could lead to confusion and violence and was an electoral offence.

Mr Alorwu was addressing Service Personnel and representatives of political parties and members of Hair Dressers and Beauticians Association at the launch of this year's National Service Week celebration at Nkoranza on Monday, under the theme: "Towards Peaceful Elections, the Role of the Youth".

The District Coordinator stressed the need for party leaders to preach peace and tolerance for their supporters to tolerate divergent views, which he said was one of the tenets of true democracy to promote the development.

Mr Alorwu complained that one of the major problems facing service personnel posted to Nkoranza was lack of accommodation and appealed to the District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Kwame Ampofo-Twumasi and the District Assembly to address the issue.

It was only when service personnel were relieved of accommodation problems that they could contribute to enhance development in the communities.

Mr Sammy Asumah, District Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), advised the youth not to allow themselves to be used by selfish political leaders to cause problems, saying; "our nation is stable and peaceful, hence we should not allow ourselves to be divided by politics as that negative practice can derail the existing good atmosphere prevailing in the country."

Mr Asumah cautioned politicians against the use of provocative and insulting language. He advised the youth again st the destruction of posters, billboards and assets of their political opponents to avoid confrontation and breaking electoral laws.

Service Personnel as role models should be disciplined to ensure violence-free elections in December.

In an address read for Mr Ampofo Twumasi, he congratulated service personnel in the District for their contribution towards the development and accepting postings to deprived areas.

Mr Ampofo-Twumasi said there were a number of vacancies in basic schools and pleaded with the service personnel to seek employment from the Education Directorate to help improve the fallen standard of education in the District.

The weeklong celebrations would include an HIV/AIDS outreach in schools, cleanup exercises, sporting activities and a visit to the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary and Kintampo Waterfalls.