Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin has expressed confidence in Ghana’s maintaining peace and stability during the upcoming 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.
Speaking at the Okyeman Nifa Royal Durbar in his honour, part of the celebrations marking his 25th anniversary as the Okyenhene, he assured Ghanaians that the country will remain united despite any political tensions.
“We have done it before, since 1992, and Ghana remains stronger and together,” Okyenhene remarked, recalling the country’s history of successful elections under the Fourth Republic.
“The December 2024 election will not be any different from what we have witnessed since 1992.”
The Okyenhene advised the youth and all eligible voters to exercise their rights responsibly in the upcoming elections.
\He said, “On December 7, go to the polling centre 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.”
In a heartfelt message, Okyenhene urged Ghanaians to embrace forgiveness and love for one another, emphasizing that dialogue can resolve even the most difficult disputes.
He referenced a song by musician King Paluta, titled ‘Aseda’, which speaks to the power of forgiveness: “Forgive me if I have wronged you, I have forgiven your sins; We must learn to forgive each other. 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,” he added, calling for unity among his subjects and all Ghanaians,” he added.
Okyenhene also called on Ghanaians, particularly those in public service, to exhibit the spirit of patriotism and selflessness.
He emphasized the importance of education, urging a greater focus on skills development and entrepreneurship to create jobs for the youth.
“While stakeholders continue to advocate for better conditions of service for teachers, teachers must also reciprocate the gesture by executing their duty diligently and in love since the societal fabric rests on the output of teachers,” he stated.
The Okyenhene applauded the government’s investments in education and urged the State to create an enabling environment for job creation to reduce unemployment, thus contributing to the nation’s overall growth and stability.