By Ellen Agbavor
Bishop Samuel Owusu, United Nations Peace Ambassador for Ghana and the Country Director for International Association of World Peace Advocate (IAWPA) – Ghana has urged all NGOSs, Churches, Stakeholders, Opinion Leaders, Traditional leaders and all citizens of Ghana to embark on vigorous campaign for peace as we approach 2020 general elections.
This according Bishop Owusu would help increase the level of people knowledge on peace and election violence, make them vigilant and stay away from violence before during and after elections, adding that “we are very serious about this platform of peace amongst all humanity globally, especially as we approach our general elections”.
However, amidst any influential efforts to advocate for peace, there are those who cease the opportunity to defraud and misguide people, hence, “I am urging all of you who are embarking on this peace missions to be courageous and vigilant at all times”.
Peace is one of the essential things we need to make us thrive individually and as a nation, so without peace it would be impossible for us to learn and create something to move forward or develop.
When there is no peace there is riots, misunderstandings, violence, war, conflict and everyone would be busy trying to protect their lives and that of those they care about most.
He said this in an interview briefly after the UN International Day of Peace celebration and the official launch of the ‘Every Life Counts Peace Campaign’ in Accra to strengthen and promote the message of peace.
Bishop Owusu who is also the General Overseer for the Pottersville International Ministries stated further that IAWPA is a UN Global Compact Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) civil Society Organisation which supports the ten principles of the UN Global Compact Sustainable Development Goals and therefore stressed for urgent need to come together with one accord and advocate for peace.
The theme for this year International Day of Peace is “Shaping Peace Together ” therefore as “we celebrate this day, I do with sincere heart request that both major political parties stand together with us to promote a violence- free election especially before, during and after the general elections come December 7th.
Every Life Counts Peace Campaign is a nationwide campaign which would promote and transport the message of peace that would assist end violence that surround the efforts to win and sabotage elections in our country.
“We believe we can only develop, preserve and progress when we stand together in peace and harmony, United to strengthen humanity”, Bishop Owusu added.
Some fraudulent people who are already using the UN and Kofi Annan’s name for award schemes to solicit for funds for programs that are not associated with the UN Peace keeping task force should desist from such acts and practices.
This action he said has tarnished the image and good efforts of some genuine UN organizations like IAWPA in the country that need help to promote peace.
He also pleaded with all media houses and individuals to cross check with the sources of information before they put it out for the public to read.
He advised that citizens to stay away from politics of insults which is also one factor that promote violence before, during and after elections.
This year COVID – 19 has risen as a global enemy, and ravished every facet of our lives, threatening our health, education, security, economy and religious systems, however our mandate calls us together and fight this war.
“As we struggle to defeat Covid – 19 in Ghana, we acknowledge the tremendous efforts of our government in regards to the measure it took to combat and contain this deadly virus” adding that ” we appreciate our health care workers, police officers and all those who have sacrificed their lives on the front line of this war”, he indicated.
