News
Make peace priority on election day
- /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Reverend-Dr.-Nicholas-John-Wood-1000x575.jpg&description= Make peace priority on election day', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Reverend-Dr.-Nicholas-John-Wood-1000x575.jpg&description= Make peace priority on election day', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
Reverend Dr Nicholas John Wood, Fellow and Dean of Regent’s Park College at the University of Oxford, has called on Ghanaians to approach the upcoming December elections with peace and respect for democratic principles.
Speaking at a conference, organised by the All Nations University College in Koforidua, on the theme: ‘Christian Faith in the Public Square,’ Dr Wood urged citizens to select their candidates and policies in a manner that upholds harmony in their communities.
Dr Wood emphasised the vital role of Christians and the church in fostering peace.
He encouraged them to actively engage in what he termed the ‘public square’ – a space encompassing law, governance, politics, culture, and society.
He urged believers to faithfully exercise their democratic rights in this sphere while respecting the diverse opinions and experiences of others.
“Advocating for policies or choosing a candidate should be done appropriately to ensure peace is maintained in the communities of the country,” he stated.
Reflecting on the challenges of political discourse, Dr Wood highlighted the importance of respectful disagreement.
“It is difficult in the public square to disagree, but where we agree, it is easy. Ghanaians should respect each other’s right to hold their own opinions, exercising their rights with grace and dignity, while allowing others to do the same,” he advised.
Addressing the Electoral Commission (EC), he likened their role to that of a referee, urging them to maintain public standards, ensure transparency, and uphold accountability.
Dr Wood further stressed the need for the EC to conduct free and fair elections while exercising their voting rights privately, like any other citizen.
On the role of the youth, he noted their passion and enthusiasm but cautioned against destructive behaviour.
“The youth have every right to express themselves, but they must also give room for other voices and avoid resorting to violence during and after elections,” he cautioned.
Moreover, Dr Wood underscored the connection between peace and national development, urging all stakeholders to prioritise the preservation of Ghana’s stability.
He called on Christians to lead the charge in promoting peace and ensuring the nation remains united during this crucial period.
The conference provided a platform to reflect on the intersection of faith and civic responsibility, emphasising the need for collective efforts to secure Ghana’s democratic values and peaceful coexistence.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu
Agyeman, Koforidua
Deputy National Women Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mimi Duah, has openly declared her support for Mavis Hawa Koomson as the next National Women’s Organiser of the party.
In a statement endorsing Hawa Koomson’s candidature, Ms Duah outlined four key reasons why she believes the former MP and Minister of State is best placed to lead the party’s women’s wing.
According to her, Hawa Koomson is a motherly figure who rose from the grassroots and is widely noted for her forgiving nature and ability to foster unity.
“She is a true grassroots mother who easily forgives, fosters unity, provides guidance and arbitrates to ensure all aggrieved party women are brought on board to ensure a unified women’s wing,” she stated.
Ms Duah also pointed to Hawa Koomson’s vast experience, having served as a Constituency Women’s Organiser, Member of Parliament and Minister of State, noting that the experience positions her to provide effective leadership as National Women’s Organiser.
She further described Hawa Koomson as capable of making the women’s wing resourceful, through her extensive network and business contacts, to lobby for logistics, training and financial support for women organisers at all levels.
Lastly, she said the NPP as an opposition party needs fearless, bold and assertive leadership at the women’s front to inspire regional, constituency and polling station women organisers as the party reorganises towards the 2028 elections.
“We need a Women’s Organiser who has been tested, who is bold, who understands grassroots women, and who can lead us to victory in 2028. Hon. Mavis Hawa Koomson is that leader,” she stressed.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Minister inaugurates Ghana-Korea Heritage Project Steering Committee
Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Minister, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has inaugurated the Ghana-Korea Heritage Project Steering Committee to provide strategic oversight for a five-year programme focused on preserving Ghana’s heritage sites and strengthening their resilience to climate change.
The project will support climate-risk mapping, digital surveying and 3D modelling, joint research, capacity building, community engagement and modern monitoring technologies.
Korea is also providing specialised equipment, including drones, 3D scanners, digital microscopes, thermal imaging cameras and GPS survey instruments, to enhance Ghana’s capacity to scientifically assess, document and conserve heritage structures.
The partnership, which will run through 2030 and beyond, is expected to deepen Ghana-Korea cultural ties while promoting sustainable, technology-driven and climate-adaptive heritage management for future generations.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
