President Rawlings waves as he departs the durbar grounds. With him are Mawerehene Nana Ampim Darko Larbi (in glasses) and Dan Botwe MP for Okere
Ghana’s former President Jerry John Rawlings has called on Ghanaians to engage in clean politics as the country draws closer to the December presidential and parliamentary elections.
He called on chiefs and queen mothers to play leading roles in guiding the electorate as matters heat up in the run-up to the elections, to ensure that the country stays united.
“Things will heat up very soon but no matter how far it takes us, let’s not take it to the edge. Let’s engage in politics in a very sober manner. Let us not cause undue friction to destabilise the atmosphere. Whatever it is let’s do it in a peaceful climate,” Mr Rawlings urged.
The former president made the call when he led a delegation to participate in the final funeral rites of Osuodumgya Otutu Kono III, Akuapem Nifahene and Adukromhene in the Eastern Region, at the chief’s durbar ground – Osipim-Adukrom – on Saturday.
Accompanied by his daughter, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings; Dr. Kofi Djokoto, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman for Keta Constituency and a host of others, the former president recalled the sound advice Nana Otutu Kono gave his (ex-president’s) government and said it was a privilege to have known the Akuapem Nifahene.
President Rawlings said the wish of Nana Otutu Kono, the ancestors and the people of Ghana is for a peaceful climate that will keep the country united and strong.
Earlier, Mr Rawlings and his entourage had exchanged pleasantries with Nana Opese Konadu III, Acting President of the Nifa Traditional Area and chief of Awukugua, who sat in state to mourn the departed traditional ruler.