Otumfuo Sikakuahene, Nana Fosu Annin II, and Otumfuosikakuahemaa, Nana Akua Amponsah Sika have expressed worry about the low turnout in the ongoing presidential and parliamentary elections.
According to them, the December 7 elections are a crucial national exercise that calls for the participation of all registered voters.
The two traditional rulers made this observation after exercising their civic responsibilities at D/A Polling Station (F161403)Â around 12:30 pm at Atwima Yabi in the Atwima Kwanwoma Constituency.
“I have been around for over two hours and I still see my people at home doing nothing. I implored the residents to turn out in their numbers to cast their votes rather than waiting till the evening,” Nana Akua Amponsah Sika appealed.
For his part, Nana Fosu Annin II also commended the officials for the smooth running of the exercise.
“I have witnessed how calm and peaceful the agents of the various political parties are, and I believe what I am seeing here between the two main political parties is happening across the nation,” he stated.
Otumfuosikakuahene also added that elections are about decision-making and not war, hence Ghanaians must see it as such and vote for the candidate of their choice.
He admonished the youth of the community not to engage in anything that may foment trouble and disturb the people of the area.
“Think about your family and loved ones first before you decide to do something that is unlawful and may lead you to the hands of the police,” he cautioned.
Sikakuahene Nana Fosu Annin II also urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.
“As good referees, I encourage you to be fair and neutral to all parties and, in doing this, nobody can point accusing fingers at you when the results are announced,” he stated.
At the time of leaving the polling station, 191 voters out of the expected 407 had already cast their votes.
Meanwhile, some voters were reluctant to cast their votes for the three parliamentary candidates namely; Kofi Amankwa-Manu, the incumbent New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) who doubles as the Deputy Defence Minister; Grace Asamoah Agyemang of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Obiba James Annan of the People’s National Convention (PNC), according to Sarpong Bannor, the Presiding Officer.
FROM David Afum, Kumasi