Political parties urged to help calm down the political temperature

The Afigya-Kwabre District Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Mr Wilberforce Zangina has called for concerted effort by all Ghanaians, especially political leaders, to help stave off needless tension and violence as the country prepares for the December polls. He said it was important to be more tolerant and circumspect in all that they did or said to safeguard the peace and stability of the nation. Mr Zangina was speaking at the inauguration of the district�s 21-member inter-party dialogue committee at Kodie on Thursday. The Committee is made up of representatives of the political parties, religious groups, security agencies, district assembly, traditional leaders, the electoral commission, media, statistical service and the NCCE. Committee members would provide the platform for conflict resolution and assist the political parties to abide by their code of conduct. Additionally, they would map out strategies to help make the general elections free, fair and credible. The NCCE Director urged the Committee to work hard to remove unnecessary suspicions, anxiety and intimidation among the parties and their supporters. Mr Kwaku Oppong-Kyekyeku Kaakyire, the District Chief Executive (DCE), said peace was vital for socio-economic development and could not therefore be taken for granted. He gave the assurance that adequate security arrangements would be put in place to allow voters to freely exercise their franchise. Mr Sampson Dwamena-Boateng, Registrar of the Kodie District Magistrate Court, performing the inauguration, advised the members to be conscientious in the performance of their duties. GNA