The Omanhene of the Essikadu Traditional Area, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, has called for peace and decorum ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Speaking passionately about the need to prioritize the future of children, the revered chief urged politicians and their supporters to focus on the long-term well-being of the country.
“Election is about making a sound choice for the destiny of our children. It is their future we must protect by choosing peace,” he emphasized.
This appeal comes at a critical time, as the political atmosphere in the Essikadu-Ketan Constituency, a key battleground in the Western Region, has grown increasingly charged.
Reports of campaign materials being defaced and destroyed have hampered the pre-election period, prompting fears about escalating tensions among party supporters.
The Omanhene emphasized the significance of peace, stating that its worth is sometimes seen only after it has been lost. “You don’t know the value of peace until you lose it. It is in the struggle to regain it that you realize peace is a gift from God,” he remarked.
Since its creation in 2004, the Essikadu-Ketan Constituency has been a stronghold of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), with Joe Ghartey holding the parliamentary seat for two decades.
However, the dynamics for the 2024 elections have shifted dramatically with the introduction of a new NPP candidate, Charles Bissue, who is set to face off with the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) Dr. Grace Ayensu Dankwah.
In 2020, the constituency witnessed a closely contested race between Joe Ghartey and Dr. Ayensu Dankwah, with Ghartey narrowly retaining the seat by securing 51.49% of the votes.
This time, the stakes are higher, as Charles Bissue’s grassroots appeal has reenergized NPP supporters. His door-to-door campaign technique and personal appeal have garnered great notice in the constituency.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ayensu Dankwah is not relying solely on her 2020 momentum.
She has stepped up her efforts through a variety of community intervention activities, aiming to address critical issues such as unemployment, poor sanitation, and insufficient access to excellent education and healthcare concerns that are likely to impact voter preferences.
Despite its urban status, parts of the Essikadu-Ketan Constituency continue to grapple with developmental challenges.
As the elections draw closer, addressing these pressing issues while maintaining a peaceful campaign environment remains crucial.
Nana Kobina Nketsia V’s call for peace serves as a reminder to all stakeholders that the ultimate goal of elections is to safeguard the nation’s future, particularly for its younger generations.
