Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin has delivered a message of calm and composure to presidential candidates Bawumia, Mahama, and others as Ghana prepares for the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
Despite the heightened political tensions and rhetoric leading up to the polls, the Okyenhene is confident that Ghana will uphold its tradition of civility throughout the electoral process.
Speaking at the Okyeman Nifa Royal durbar, part of his 25th Anniversary celebrations, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin reassured Ghanaians that the December 2024 election will mirror the country’s history of successful and peaceful elections since 1992.
He expressed confidence that the electoral process will remain orderly and respectful, much like previous elections under the Fourth Republic.
Addressing the youth and all voters, Osagyefuo emphasized the importance of exercising their voting rights responsibly.
“We have done it before. Since 1992 and Ghana remains stronger and together. On December 7, go to the polling center and vote for a candidate who can bring development to you, go home after voting, you may decide to come and witness the counting process in the evening or stay home and listen to the results from the media.
“At the end of the day, one will emerge as the winner. If you lose the election, take a chilled drink, the sun shall set and rise again,” Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin stressed.
The Okyenhene also emphasized that Ghana’s democratic progress is secure and will continue to thrive beyond the 2024 elections.
He called for forgiveness and love among Ghanaians, referencing lyrics from the song “Aseda” by musician King Paluta to underscore the importance of reconciliation and dialogue.
“The musician called King Paluta has lyrics on forgiveness. I think the song title is Aseda and it says: ‘forgive me if I have wronged you. I have also forgiven your sins.’
“We must learn to forgive each other. There is no issue that can’t be resolved by dialogue. In Akan the difficult sin to forgive and forget is when your brother has an affair with your wife and vice versa, even with that, we still deal with the issue.
“During my 25th-anniversary celebration, I have cancelled every grudge in Jesus name. Let’s love ourselves and help each other,” Osagyefuo said.
In his address, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin urged Ghanaians to exhibit patriotism and selflessness, particularly those in public service.
He praised government investments in education and called for continued focus on skills development and entrepreneurship to create job opportunities for the youth.