Chairman of the National Peace Council (NPC), Reverend Professor Emmanuel Asante says mistrust among political actors is contributing immensely to electoral violence in the country.
According to him, there is trust deficit in Ghana’s electoral system, especially on the part of political parties, thereby giving room for political vigilantes to protect their interests.
Prof. Asante who was addressing an advocacy workshop on Vigilantism and Related Offences Act at Asante Mampong in Ashanti, also underlined the need for ruling parties to ensure the independence of state institutions to avert needless suspicions when in opposition.
The workshop which was organized by the Ashanti Regional Peace Council with funding from the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) was to sensitize participants on the Vigilantism Act which has outlawed the existence of vigilante groups.
The Executive Secretary of the Ashanti Regional Peace Council Rev. Emmanuel Amoah in a presentation said, the quest for peace should be paramount for all and urged the participants to influence their organizations in the fight against political vigilantism and violence.
He said as key stakeholders competing to lead the country, politicians must prioritize national interest ahead of their Parties.
Otumfuo’s Sumankwahene and a member of the Ashanti Regional Peace Council, Baffour Asare Ababio entreated residents of Ashanti to eschew acts that will disturb the country’s peace.
Chairman of the National Peace Council, Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Asante said it is time political parties worked together for sustainable peace in the country.
He condemned the violence that nearly marred the nationwide registration exercise.
Rev. Prof. Asante advised the security agencies, particularly the Police to desist from unwarranted harassment of citizens.
