Workshop on tolerance, patriotism organised

Story: George Ernest
Asare, Kumasi
07/03/08

A forum designed to create a conducive atmosphere and a sense of unity, tolerance and patriotism among the electorate and political parties in the country in the run-up to the December general election has been organised in Kumasi.
The forum, which was on the theme, “Making politics friendly and enriching democracy through nationalism”, was organised by Intermark Multi Media Consult, an NGO, and attended by representatives of the media, religious leaders in the metropolis and politicians.
In his address, the Chairman of Intermark Multi Media Consult, Mr Isaac Rockson, commended past political leaders for their tremendous contributions to sustainable national stability and development.
He said it was the serene atmosphere in the country, coupled with stable political conditions the country had enjoyed over the years, that had enhanced socio-economic development. He, therefore, stressed the need for Ghanaians to accept the challenge to hold on to those qualities.
He pointed out that Ghana had been a pacesetter for democracy and African unity since the days of the late President Kwame Nkrumah and, therefore, it could not compromise on anything that might undermine the peace and economic development being enjoyed.
“Ghana must continue to be the stem that champions internal democracy in Africa and beyond and it is the present generation who have been bestowed with that responsibility to do just that,” he noted, adding, “The country has come this far because of the sacrifices of some past leaders and individuals.”
“Such people should be recognised by society and honoured to entice others to emulate their shining examples,” he stressed.
He expressed concern over political intolerance among a section of the public, especially during radio phone-in programmes, and said the time had come for the media to initiate policies and programmes that would educate the public on how to speak on radio to enhance sustainable peace.
Mr Rockson said it was equally important for the public to respect the Presidency and those who held public offices as a way of creating a sense of nationalism and patriotism for accelerated development to take place.
“If we have a nation where the public places Ghana at the centre of all activities, a few people who hold high office will dare not do anything that undermines stability, peace and economic development and this will also make it possible for the country to attain a middle-income status earlier than required.
The slogan should always be ‘Ghana first, all other things later’. This can become a reality if the media take up the mantle to champion a sense of nationalism among the present generation,” he said.
A representative of the Islamic religion, Sheikh M.A. Nazair, said it was ignorance that had created enmity among some politicians, religious groups and the public, leading to sporadic violence in certain communities.
He said since Ghanaians were the same people with a common purpose, there was the need for everyone to respect one another’s views and tolerate one another.
“The will of God is that we should promote peace and shun any form of violence so we should learn to tolerate one another to enhance sustainable peace,” he stressed.
Rev Elijah Sasu, who represented Christian religious groups, urged Ghanaians to offer good counsel to politicians to enable them to take the correct decisions at every point in time.
He said it was equally important for political leaders to meditate on the Word of God before taking major decisions to enhance national unity and peace.