ZUARUNGU CHIEF CALLS FOR PEACE (Daily Graphic, Saturday, November 15, 2008PAGE 17)

THE Chief of Zuarungu in the Upper East Region, Naba Charles B. Ayamga, has called for a clean campaign by the various contestants in the Bolgatanga Constituency to ensure peace in the community.
He said unity in Zuarungu was paramount and above individuals’ interests, hence it was incumbent on all to conduct campaigns devoid of insults and unsubstantiated allegations.
Naba Ayamga was speaking at an inter-denominational prayer session held at the Zuarungu Catholic Social Centre.
The prayer session which was organised by the Zuarungu Local Council of Churches, was to sensitise the people, especially the youth, to the need for Ghana to achieve violence-free elections.
Naba Ayamga stressed the need for the leadership of political parties to sanction their supporters who intimidated others and caused mayhem.
"The unfortunate incidence of violence in Bawku, Gushegu, Yendi and Tamale must not find its way into Zuarungu," Naba Ayamga stressed.
He urged leaders of political parties to stop buying alcohol for their supporters, since alcoholism had proven to be a major cause of violence and threat to security.
The chief commended the various churches in the community for the initiative and urged them to sustain the programme for the good of the area.
The Upper East Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Alhaji Hamidu Mahama, who was the special guest of honour, reiterated the need for political parties to adhere to the terms of the Public Order Act in their political activities to ensure a healthy political environment.
He also urged leaders of the various political parties to preach love and demonstrate a strong commitment to helping to deepen the democratic process by remaining peaceful and law- abiding.
DCOP Mahama, who is also the chairman of the regional elections security task force, reiterated the neutrality of the police and their commitment to deal fairly with all the parties to further enhance confidence in the police.
The Parish Priest of the Zuarungu St Martins de Pores Catholic Church, Father David Ayariga, who delivered the sermon, said the fact that people belonged to different political parties did not make them enemies.
He, therefore, urged citizens of the area to be tolerant of one another and go about their political activities in peace.
The assembly member for Zuarungu central electoral area, Mr Abagna Maximus Apuko, for his part, stressed the need for the people to tolerate one another to sustain the peace in the area.
Two candidates contesting the Bolgatanga Constituency seat in the upcoming general election, Mr Opam-Brown Akolbire, for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Mr David Apasera, for the People’s National Convention (PNC), were present at the function.

#Portrait of the Zuarungu chief