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A Senior Research fellow and the former head of the Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy (LECIAD) of the University of Ghana, Dr. Vladimir Antwi-Danso has called on Political parties to desist from meddling in the work of the EC which is constitutionally empowered  by the state to conduct elections in Ghana.

He described such obstructions as “insanity”.

Speaking at the launch of the “Muslim and Zongo Communities unite for peaceful elections 2016’’ in Accra on Monday, he noted that a problem with voters register should not make the political parties descend on the Electoral Commission (EC) which could degenerate into conflict and allow them to work.

“We are not allowing state Institutions to work, it is insanity, one party seeing EC working and the other not working. We are saying EC has a bloated register, why should we fight? If we are not allowing state Institutions to work, where are we going? We find one party backing the police, the other party saying it is wrong. We should allow state Institutions to become Institutions of state and not Institutions of parties,” he emphasized.

He called on the youth not to allow any party to use them to forment trouble on religious lines as both Christians and Muslims are one except that each of them has different ways of reaching their maker, noting that religion which is an immutable dynamic in conflict should give room for us to live peacefully with each other.

“We are blessed to have a motley of colours. There should be diversity of views, parties etc. When you pinch somebody’s skin you are inflicting pain so is religion. We should not use religion to kill ourselves. Islam means peace, how you serve your God is you, as the Bible and Quran are all against conflict and war. Religion should not be used for the wrong purpose. Intra faith rivalry should be eschewed,” he stressed.

He appealed to politicians and journalists to be mindful of their utterances which could destabilize the country drawing examples from Rwanda and Somalia where over one million people lost their lives and several others became physically disabled as a result of war.

The Chairman of the National Peace Council, Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Asante on his part noted that peace and development which is paramount in every country should inform all political parties, saying these could only be achieved if campaigns are based on issues rather than inflammatory utterances.

“We cannot afford to see that anytime we approach election we should be sitting on thorns, our heart should be on fire, simply because we are going to elect somebody to become our president and parliamentary candidate. I don’t see why it should be the norm,” he observed.

He mentioned that development can only be realised in a peaceful country and therefore called on political parties and stakeholders to desist from engaging in acts that will endanger the peace of the nation. 

He appealed to Ghanaians not to allow politicians to use them to achieve their personal and selfish interests but should think of the country as the ultimate beneficiary after successful elections.

The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Shaributu on the other hand asked  Ghanaians not to take the peace the country continues to enjoy for granted, but should endeavor to protect it despite religious differences .

“Muslims and non-Muslims are living in peace. Let’s not destroy such favour. There are neighbouring countries experiencing political turmoil but we are blessed to have peace, Lets maintain that peace,” he said.

In attendance was the former Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Alhassan, a number of chiefs from the Muslim Communities and scores of Muslim youths.