MP’s from Brong Ahafo, Ashanti regions express concern

Page 13, March 20, 2010
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah

Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Brong Ahafo and Ashanti regions have expressed concern about the conflict between the Techimahene and the Tuobodomhene and urged the media to bring the matter to a close in order to ensure a lasting peace in both traditional areas.
At a press conference organised by the MPs from the two regions in Parliament yesterday, the MPs said they acknowledged efforts being made by the government to ensure that calm returned to Techiman and Tuobodom.
"Additionally, we wish to respectfully appeal to nananom to continue to restrain their followers from any conduct that has the potential to raise passions and thereby endanger any positive efforts by the state to find a lasting solution to the problem".
A statement read by the MP for Asutifi North, Mr Paul Oko also commended the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Techimanhene for calling on their subjects to exercise restraint.
It was the view of the MPs that the media exhibited high standards of professionalism in their reportage adding that as far as practicable "the media should refrain from reporting on matters that could inflame passions or be offensive to the sensibilities of the interested parties".
The statement added that in order that the feuding parties should continue to have confidence in the conflict resolution process, the security agencies should also conduct themselves in an impartial manner and urged the government to deal sternly with any public official who is found to have compromised his or her office in the process.
It noted that the people of Brong Ahafo and the Ashanti regions were one people and the same people and nothing should be done to disturb the peace, unity and oneness prevailing.
"We should all understand that the efforts by MPs, district assemblies and the central government to bring development to our respective communities will be seriously undermined in the absence to peace," the statement said and called on Ghanaians to support nananom to observe the peace".