Use legal means to address sentiments- Peter Obi tells Africa youth

The former presidential candidate for the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has urged the youth in Africa to use legal means to address their sentiments, and not involve themselves in any violent activities that may plunge the continent into chaos.

He said that as most African countries head to polls, the youths should protect the peace and harmony enjoyed in their various countries, and not to be persuaded by any political party to cause violence.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Accra, following the cancellation of the unveiling of the “New Force” ceremony which was scheduled to take place at the Black Star Square, he said, nothing should stop the youth from expressing their sentiments, but their action should not involve violence.

Mr Obi said although he was invited to address the youth as part of the unveiling, Ghana is a home for Africans, and would always be in the country when the organizers set a new date and venue for the unveiling.

He added that, as Ghana prepares for the 2024 general elections, stakeholders should come on board to ensure peaceful and credible elections, stressing that the youth should always uphold the peace and harmony enjoyed in the country.

Confusion and speculation surrounded the unexpected cancellation of the unveiling of “The New Force ,” a highly-anticipated Pan-African event organized by the New Africa Foundation, scheduled to take place at the Black Star Square in Accra.

He was flanked by dignitaries such as PLO Lumumba from Kenya, Freedom Jacob Caesar, Former Permanent Representative of the African Union to the United States, Arikana Chihombori-Quo.

The sudden cancellation left journalists and observers puzzled, with conflicting accounts emerging about the reasons behind this last-minute decision.

The New Africa Foundation, an organization dedicated to addressing challenges on the African continent, had meticulously planned ceremony as a platform to amplify African voices and discuss crucial developmental needs.

However, the event faced an unexpected shutdown, leading to varying narratives regarding what transpired.

According to a press release from the New Africa Foundation, the Ghanaian government cancelled the event just hours before its commencement.

The statement expressed regret and described the situation as a shock and devastation to the dignitaries and special guests who had flown in from around the world.

The Foundation apologized for any inconvenience caused, asserting that the cancellation was beyond their control.

Meanwhile, a letter from the Office of the President has indicated that a permit issued to use the Black Star Square for the Black Star Line festival has been revoked. The letter dated January 7, 2024, stated:

“We write to revoke immediately the permission granted per our letter No.OP/PH/02 dated 11th November 2023 which approved your request to use the Black Star Square for the above event.”

“This decision has been necessitated by an unforeseen State Event scheduled to take place at the venue. Under the circumstances, the amount of Ten Thousand Ghana cedis (GH¢10,000.00) paid by your office for the use of the venue will be refunded. We regret any inconvenience this may cause,” the letter signed by the Chief Director H.M. Wood for the Chief of Staff said.

BY BERNARD BENGHAN