ENSURE ELECTIONS COME OFF PEACEFULLY — HUGHES (Page 17)

Story: A. Kofoya-Tetteh, Koforidua

THE Speaker of Parliament, Mr Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi Hughes, has stated that since this year’s presidential and parliamentary elections would test Ghana’s democracy, it was the responsibility of the people to ensure that the event comes off peacefully.
This, he said, would preserve the peace the country was enjoying for a very long time.
The Speaker made the remark when he addressed participants of a parliamentary outreach programme in Koforidua during which parliamentary processes were explained to the participants, who in turn, asked questions on a wide range of issues.
The gathering brought together a cross-section of the society from the region as well as such dignitaries as the Minority Leader, Mr Alban Bagbin, the Second Deputy Speaker, Alhaji Malik Alhaassan, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Afram Asiedu, some Members of Parliament from both sides of the political divide as well as district chief executives from the region.
The Speaker said over a decade ago, when Ghanaians embraced democracy as their chosen path of governance, the country had ‘tottered’, but progressively held on to advance as evidenced by the peaceful and democratic manner of political transition in 2000 and the subsequent elections in 2004.
Mr Sekyi Hughes said although Ghanaians should be commended for the political maturity they had exhibited so far by preserving peace in the country, they must not be complacent, but should rather assist the state structures to deliver during the polls.
“This year is an election year as it promises to test our steadfastness once more, and we all owe it a duty to stand for democracy, exercise our franchise and assist the structures of state to deliver.
“We are all one people with a common destiny, but probably differ in the mode that things should be done; Ghana is our nation and we must help to keep the peace for our generation and generations unborn,” Mr Sekyi Hughes stated.
The Speaker, who explained the works of Parliament to the participants, said the august House had its own problems, and added that as a way of solving the problems and strengthening its institutional capacity to perform its functions, an enhanced strategic plan, which was developed, had already been implemented.
In his welcoming address, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Afram Asiedu, said the programme was a clear manifestation of government’s commitment to the policy of grass roots participation in decision making to enhance good governance.
The regional minister, who also told the gathering about the numerous tourist attractions in the region such as the Aburi Gardens, Boti Falls, Umbrella Rock and the Big Tree, was of the view that participants would acquaint themselves with the proceedings in Parliament after the event.
Madam Katherin Meissner,the Resident Director of Friedrich Ebert Foundation, which supported the programme, gave the assurance that the foundation would continue to do so to promote democracy in the country.
She, however, asked the electorate not to be tempted to vote for someone that might bring immediate but non-sustainable benefits to them in their constituencies, but should rather vote for those capable and trustworthy to represent them and cater for their interest in Parliament.