Chief and people of Samenye in the Jomoro District of the Western Region have celebrated their annual Kundum festival with a call on them to maintain peace before, during and after the December 7, election.

Paramount Chief of the traditional area, Nana Amgbo Kofi II, also appealed to his people to conduct their political campaigns in peace to promote growth so as to pursue common development goals.

He explained that the absence of peace brings about underdevelopment which negatively affects communities and the economy at large.

“We must observe the significance of the festival and work together to make this community a better place. The time for the elections is fast approaching and so the youth must be vigilant and be of good behaviour,” he advised.

The paramount chief also called on parents to advice their children on the need to ensure peace “because it is the only option that can guarantee your future.”

Paramount Chief of Awiebo traditional area, Nana Ehomah Kpanyinli VII, who chaired the occasion, thanked the chiefs and people of the area for a wonderful work done, and also called on them to exercise their rights by voting and ensuring that they remain united.

He advised the youth not to receive money from political leaders on the act of persuading them to commit abominable acts which will only destroy their lives and jeopardise their future. .

Headmistress of Semenya Primary School, Madam Florence Naana Johnson, advised the youth to maintain peace during this political season.

She further called on the parliamentary candidates to work towards the sustenance of peace and avoid insults.

She also urged all polling station agents to cooperate with one another since any reckless behaviour could cause damage to their parties as well as the communities.

To this end, she advised them to accept the outcome of the elections and pleaded that they remain in peace.

Kundum festival is celebrated by the Ahanta and Nzema people of the Western Region of Ghana.

It is celebrated to thank God for abundance of food during harvest.

The festival is believed to have first been celebrated in the 16th Century.

The first record of the festival was made by Bossman, a Dutch explorer, who traveled to the Gold Coast in the 17th century and observed the festival. Kundum is both a harvest and religious festival.