Dzodze(V/R), Sept. 29, GNA - The government would safeguard its reputation for protecting the peace Ghana has been enjoying. It would therefore not do anything to mar this reputation during the December elections. Mr Kofi Dzamesi, Volta Regional Minister said this at this year's "Deza" (oil-palm festival) of the chiefs and people of Dzodze at the weekend.

He therefore urged Ghanaians to be mindful of their conducts during the December elections and after. Mr Dzamesi implored the people of the area to remain peaceful and united.

"Conduct yourselves in a manner that will not spark violence during the elections to undo the successes we have built," Mr. Dzamesi said. He said greater unity and development have been experienced in Dzodze through the festival and asked the people to sustain their interest in it.

Mr Dzamesi asked the Dzodze Development Committee to expand the street light project for which funds were being mobilized to all streets in the township to help maintain security at night. Mr Prince Ahiadzro, a hotelier and chairman of the development committee debunked rumours that monies for the street light and other projects were being misappropriated by the committee members. Mr Klutse Avedzi, Member of Parliament for Ketu North, who also reiterated the need for violence free election in the area, asked for a review of the reasons for instituting the festival so as to keep it on course. He said the festival symbolizes the fame of the area in the palm oil industry in the past and the need to rekindle it as a development avenue for the youth and also bring the people together for development. 29 Sept. 08