ECOWAS Commission expresses concern about escalating tension

Accra, Jan. 2, Ghanadot/GNA - The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas has expressed “deep concern over the escalating tensions” in Ghanaian politics, just as the electoral process was coming to a conclusion.

In a statement issued in Accra on Friday, he called on the Leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to be mindful of their grave responsibility towards moving forward, the democratic process.

He reiterated that since the beginning of the electoral process, the Electoral Commission, the security agencies and the electorate of “Ghana have demonstrated true commitment, patriotism and responsibility that had earned the praise of the international community that Ghana and the West African Region can be rightly proud of.

“The onus is now on the political leadership to put the greater interest of the country above sectional interest and demonstrate leadership, courage and responsibility to do what is right to maintain the reputation of Ghana as a maturing democracy,” Dr Chambas said.

He said as the electoral process neared its logical conclusion with the January 2, 2009 rescheduled election in the Tain Constituency the Leadership of both parties should resist the temptation of inciting their followers into actions that could undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

“As the West African people and the world watch the unfolding developments in Ghana with keen interest, the parties should accept the outcome with grace and avoid provoking a constitutional crisis that would negate the achievements made in the democratization process since 1992.

GNA