Students of Gilberto Music Academy in Sunyani in Brong Ahafo have called for peace before, during and after the December elections.

They called for political tolerance among the leadership of political parties and followers to help curb violence and conflicts.

Mr. Cephas Kwadjo Fosu, Assistant Chaplain of the academy made the call on behalf of the students in an interview with the Ghana News Agency.

He reiterated the need for individuals to learn to tolerate and accept opposing views.

The assistant chaplain noted that social issues as corruption, unemployment, poverty, lack of transparency and non-involvement of the youth in governance, which politicians had failed to address were the cause of conflicts.

“Politicians during their campaigns march through the villages and promise better living conditions, which is taken in by the gullible electorate but which they fail to fulfill when voted into power”, he said.

Mr. Fosu noted that past governments had failed to honour the promise of involving the youth in the active participation in the governance process.

“Politicians rather resort to buy the youth with money and other handouts to engage in illicit activities that do not augur well for the development of the nation,” he added.

He advised the youth to focus on their education for a better future and not to allow themselves to be used by politicians for their selfish gains.

Mr. Fosu appealed to Christian leaders to desist from using the pulpit to engage in politics but rather preach peace for the sustained development of the nation.**