Regional News of Monday, 2 February 2004

Source: GNA

Political parties advised to make realistic pledges

Kumasi, Feb 2, GNA - Bishop J.N.K. Boateng, founder of the Gospel Revival Church of Christ, has advised political parties to be truthful to the electorate by making realistic pledges and presenting factual situations on national issues during their campaigns.

Bishop Boateng said such an approach was vital since winning the elections would depend not on mere pledges and distortion of facts but on being honest to the electorate on national issues.

Addressing a meeting of the Youth Fellowship of the Church at Sofoline in Kumasi, on Sunday, he said Ghanaians were matured in democratic governance and would no longer be enticed into casting their ballots on basis of mere pledges.

Bishop Boateng urged the people not to allowing partisan politics to sow seeds of discord to divide them, saying, even though they may be aligned to different parties, they still remain Ghanaians with a common destiny and vision.

He called on Pastors and Christians not to relent in their prayers to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections. They should also conduct themselves in a manner to promote peace, he added.

Bishop Boateng appealed to all Ghanaians who have attained the age of 18 and above to register when the registration of voters start in March.