The Paramount Chief of the Zuarungu Traditional Area, Naba Bilia Malitinga III, has urged the Parliamentary Candidates of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to focus their campaigns on issues rather than resorting to insults. He emphasized the importance of addressing matters that will positively impact the lives of the people in the Bolgatanga East constituency.
Addressing the chiefs and people during the annual Zuarungu Ndaakoya festival, themed “The Role of All Indigenes and Social Partners for Peace, Security, and Development of Zuarungu,” Naba admonished Hon. Silas Mathew Amoah and Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine to lead their campaign messages in a manner that promotes peace rather than inciting violence. He stated that as a police commander, he will not tolerate crime and violence, urging all to choose peace.
Naba Bilia Malitinga III’s remarks were rooted in the festival’s theme and the ongoing political rivalry between supporters of both parties vying for the position of the next Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga East. He appealed to both candidates to guide their supporters in campaigning on issues and to maintain peace during and after the December polls, emphasizing that peace in the constituency and Ghana is paramount and should not be compromised for political rivalry.
“Let me remind you that politics is not everything in life. It is a diversified game played among families and friends of various parties. There are instances where a husband and wife belong to different parties. Are we saying that during elections they should stop sharing the same mat? Should you avoid going home during election season simply because you might encounter a family member from a different party? This should not happen,” he said.
Naba Bilia further advised the candidates to choose their words carefully when campaigning, encouraging them to inspire voters rather than incite them to violence. He emphasized that the development they aspire to bring, if elected, is for the living, not the dead, and urged them to avoid actions that could tarnish their names.
He also called on the people of Bolgatanga East not to allow politicians to deceive them into harming themselves for the sake of politicians who enjoy comfortable lives in their cars and offices. “What do you gain from fighting for something that could leave you incapacitated or even cost you your life?” he questioned.
During the festival, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine alleged that he had received intelligence that the NPP Parliamentary Candidate, Mr. Silas Mathew Amoah, would be deploying military personnel to the constituency for the December polls. He deemed this unnecessary, noting that the constituency has not used military forces in elections since 2012.
In response, the District Chief Executive for Bolgatanga East, Mr. Albert Agana, clarified that Mr. Silas Mathew Amoah is not a member of the District Security Council and cannot unilaterally bring military forces into the constituency. He added that, as the chairman of the District Security Council, he has not identified any security threats that would warrant such deployment.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Ayuureneeya