The Church of Pentecost, Mampong Area has launched the Agent of Peace Campaign.
The ceremony brought together distinguished personalities within the Mampong Municipality. Key personalities from both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) were present. The Ghana Police Service, Ghana National fire service, heads of state institutions, representatives from the Local Council of Churches, the Imam for Mampong as well as the media were well represented at the launch
The Area Head, Prophet Forster Aniakwaa in his address, expressed gratitude to the various leaders for making it to the ceremony. He stated that the launch was a replica of what the church had done at the national level and this was to trickle down to all communities in which the church found itself. He charged the various political actors to help sustain the peace in the nation. He spoke clearly against political vigilantism. He admonished all gathered not to take matters into their own hands but rather learn to forgive and also use the appropriate means to seek redress.
The representative of the Imam for the Mampong Muslim community said that in Ghana, Christians and Muslims have learnt to co-exist without any struggle. He made a clarion call to the youth not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to promote violence. He said “no politician will allow his or her child or close relative to engage in violence in the name of politics, therefore no one should allow politicians to use him or her to fulfill their selfish interests.”
The Municipal Chief Director, Hon. Thomas Appiah-Kubi in his address also pledged to promote peace. He stated that the ruling party will accept the outcome of the elections irrespective of the result. He indicated that the president of the nation was committed to peace likewise all his appointees. He tasked the security agencies to deal drastically with anyone found to be disturbing the peace of the nation irrespective of their party affiliations.
The Member of Parliament for Mampong Ashanti, Hon. Kwaku Apratwum-Sarpong, speaking for the NPP assured all gathered that his party stands for peace. He stated that both the NPP and NDC live amicably in Mampong. He also added his voice to the call for peace, advising the youth not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to cause violence.
The NDC Chairman for Mampong, Mr. Kamel gave a strong assurance that they will not perpetrate violence and will accept the outcome of the elections. He said that since their parliamentary candidate is an elder of the Church of Pentecost and has been well groomed, there was no way he was going to lead his people to engage in violence.
The Ghana Police Service, National Commission for Civic Education and the Local Council of Churches, all took turns to preach peace. Prayer was offered for peace to reign, before during and after the elections.
Report by Pastor Stephen Safo Nsiah