The people of Akwatia Constituency in the Eastern Region have finally voted on who should represent them in Parliament for the next four years. The constituents settled on Dr. Kofi Asare, of the NPP.
However, in the run-up to the re-run of the parliamentary elections in the 6 polling stations on Tuesday, 18th August 2009, there were reported incidents of violence and mounting tension in the constituency. And as usual, it was between the so-called two main political parties in this country – the NPP and the NDC.
It is sad that these two political parties continue to sow seeds of acrimony and hatred amongst Ghanaians. They have created a lasting impression on the minds of Ghanaians that either one of them has the right to manage the affairs of this country.
In fact, this is something that Ghanaians must guard against. This is because the behaviour and actions of members of the NDC and NPP are further dividing the country not only on tribal lines but also pit citizens of this country against each other. And this is very disturbing.
It has now become the other of the day where every issue has to be politicized and made to suit the whims and caprices of either the NPP or the NDC. Now, one cannot even distinguish between social and political issues. Everything is politics, why?
The NDC and the NPP must be told in plain language that Ghana does not belong to either of them and that the country belongs to all of us irrespective of our political affiliations. Therefore, it is high time they refrain from acts which have the potential to destabilize our peaceful country.
In the US, for instance, after a general election has been organized and a President elected, the American people become united and think of ways to move their economy forward. In the case of Ghana and in many African countries, this is not the case. Instead, the election of a new government other than the one in power is seen as an opportunity for political vendetta and witch-hunting.
We at TODAY seize this opportunity to urge the leadership of the NDC and the NPP to educate their members on the need to refrain from acts of violence which do not auger well for our fledgling democracy. More so, they should also sensitise their members on the fact that elections are organized for people to make choices and not to be used as a tool to create confusion in the country.