Election Is Not Do Or Die Affair - Opare Hammond

By Stephen K. Effah
Wednesday, 22 October 2008

The Member of Parliament for Adenta, Kwadwo Opare-Hammond, says politicians who are making the election appear as a “do and die affair” do not have the country at heart.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Needy Support Programme (NESP), a non-profit organisation, in Accra on Sunday, Mr.Opare-Hammond said it is imperative for all to desist from making such claims and be concerned about peace.

The NESP is a collaboration between the Assembly of the Bible Way Ministries and the African Movement for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, and is aimed at helping the vulnerable in the country.

Mr.Opare-Hammond, who is also the NPP Parliamentary candidate for Adenta said that Ghana has had successive peaceful elections since it adopted democracy over the years, adding “this year’s will not be an exception”.

He therefore urged all Ghanaians, irrespective of their political affiliations, to ensure that Ghana comes out of the December poll peacefully.

He said although they could argue over political messages and issues, that should not result in violence since “at the end we are one people and nation with a common destiny”.

The MP also appealed to the country’s youth not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to cause mayhem in order to satisfy their selfish aims, saying “you should not allow anybody to deceive you to do anything that will not benefit you”.

He advised the electorate to analyse the various political messages and manifestoes and vote for the one that offers a brighter future for the country. “Do not vote strictly on partisan basis. Vote the one with the best programmes and policies”.

Mr.Opare Hammond asked the Electoral Commission which has been given the mandate to conduct election must not be bias but rather “have Ghana’s interest first to ensure a free, air and transparent election.”

He said the NPP has done a lot for Ghana during its eight-year period rule, hence urged Ghanaians to vote to retain it in power to continue its good works. He appealed to all Adentans to vote to give him a second chance to lead them.

During his reign, he said, he managed to bring pipe-borne water and street lights to a number of areas in his constituency.

He said he gave scholarship to the tune of GH¢30,000 from his MPs Common Fund.