Democracy Not Worth Pursuing If It Leads To Violence � Asantehene

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has observed that if democracy, with its attendant periodic elections, will always lead to violence and chaos, then it is not worth pursuing it. 
 
He said for democracy to remain the most preferred means of governance and attraction, it was contingent on all political parties to abide strictly by the rules governing elections and be prepared to accept the outcome. 

The Asantehene made the observation at the celebration of Awukudae, an Akan festival, and to also welcome President John Dramani Mahama, who is on a three-day tour of the Ashanti Region.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu said since the two main political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP),  had promised not to engage in any acts of violence before, during and after the November 7 polls, he was optimistic that the elections would end well.

Pledge

“President John Mahama and the flag bearer of the NPP, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, have both promised Ghanaians that they are not for violence and I hope they will abide by their words,” he said. 

On the President's achievements,  the Asantehene said the people of Ghana were the best judges, adding that the people could only make a fair assessment if the government explained its policies to them. 

“It is good to trumpet your achievements, but it is also necessary to explain to them why certain targets could not be met and the way forward,”   he said. 

Accountability

Otumfuo Osei Tutu reminded the President that Ghanaians would hold him accountable for the current economic conditions because Ghanaians voted for him.

The Asantehene said he was for the good of Ghana that was why he facilitated Ghana’s decision to opt for the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative during President Kufuor's era and did same for President Mahama when the NDC administration decided to go for the IMF bail-out. 

Counsel

Responding, President Mahama eulogised the Asantehene for his rich counsel which, he said, had contributed immensely to the growth of the country. 

He promised to visit the Ashanti Region by the end of the year to inaugurate the second Military Hospital at Afari in the Atwima Nwabiagya District.

The $180-million, 500-bed project, is about 70 per cent complete and is expected to be ready and fully equipped by the first quarter of 2017.

He said when  completed, the hospital would employ 12,000 new nurses and more than 20,000 people.  

Achievement

The President also inaugurated two community day senior high schools at Adebewora in the Atwima Mponua District and  Adugyama in the Ahafo Ano South District in the region. 

He promised to deal ruthlessly with headmasters who charged unapproved fees which deterred students from attending school. 

The President assured the people that he would solicit World Bank support to train teachers in Mathematics and Science to promote technology education.