The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has admonished political parties to lessen their mistrust of the Electoral Commission and contribute to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
While recognising the need for increased vigilance by political parties, he stated the importance of restoring confidence between the Electoral Commission, the contesting parties and candidates.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed his view during a dinner with members of the Ghana Bar Association at the Manhyia Palace as part of the Association’s Annual General Conference.
The Asantehene stressed on the need to protect Ghana’s democratic values and urged citizens to place peace above violence during elections.
He said that he feels confident about the outcome of the elections for two main reasons, stating that Ghanaians have come a long way not by chance, but through the forces of history.
The King further stated that in the first quarter of a century of existence as an independent nation, the country has tried almost every system of governance envisioned by man.
“We have had a one-party state. We have had military rule of three different types and we have experienced democracy with the power of the people to choose their government through the ballot box.”
“However discreditable one may think of the people, I can see no circumstances in which Ghanaians will sacrifice the freedom of today, the prospect of changing their government by power of their thumb, for any other alternative.”
Source: Nelly Takyiwa Boateng, Student, Kumasi Technical University (KsTU)
