The Volta Region House of Chiefs has appealed to politicians and journalists to use their influences constructively to ensure that the 2012 elections turn out peacefully.

Togbe Afede XIV, President of the House, made the call when he addressed representatives of political parties.

He said as custodians of the land, chiefs were very much desirous to see Ghana emerge from the 2012 elections stronger in peace and unity and appealed to politicians and journalists to reflect on whatever they would say and do should portray respect towards others.

 He said the common Ghanaian identity, borne out of inter-tribal marriages and friendships, must inform political discourses.

 “You cannot make Ashantis to vote for you by insulting them neither can you make Ewes vote for you by insulting them,” Togbe Afede said and added “The people desire development more than anything else.”

 Representatives of the New Patriotic Party, the National Democratic Congress, the Convention Peoples Party and the Progressive Peoples Movement took turns to state their respective party’s commitment to peaceful elections.

 They appealed to chiefs to help popularize the impending biometric voters’ registration exercise and to encourage those qualified to do so and discourage minors from registering.

 The parties appealed to the chiefs to educate the youth not to allow themselves to be manipulated by some politicians to engage in violence and election malpractices.

 They also acknowledged the important roles of chiefs and said it was crucial for sustaining Ghana’s democracy, peace and development.

Source: GNA