Amid heightened tensions characterising the election period, Rev Dr Owusu Ansah, Lead Pastor of Vine Yard Family Chapel of the Assemblies of God Church, said the ultimate aim of all the polit­ical parties must be centered on proffering policies that sought to address the needs of the people in exchange for their votes.

He was of the belief that any political party whose manifesto resonates with the people and designed to address the socio-eco­nomic needs of the people, would secure a deserving victory.

Rev. Dr Owusu Ansah gave the advice when the Emmanuel Estates branch executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ningo-Prampram Constituency joined his church on Sunday for an intercessory prayer of peace before, during and after the December elections.

He emphasised the importance of unity regardless of political dif­ferences and the need for dialogue over confrontation.

Rev. Dr Owusu Ansah encour­aged the political party that felt dis­satisfied with the election results to seek redress at the law court while urging the Judiciary to uphold im­partiality to engender the trust and confidence of the people.

The branch chairman of the NDC, Joshua Teye Nertey, empha­sised a shared Ghanaian identity over political differences saying “political parties come and go, but the nation remains. Encouraging people to see themselves as Ghana­ians first, rather than as supporters of a particular political party, can help bridge divides and foster peace for national progress.

He stated that religious leaders in Ghana play a significant role in promoting peace and unity by influencing and shaping public opinions and values hence the need for prayers and to preach peace messages to their congregations which comprise of members with diverse political affiliations.

National symbols, such as the Ghana flag, national anthem and cultural traditions that unite Gha­naians, must serve as reminders of a collective heritage that transcends political interests, Mr Nertey stated.

He expressed optimism that the NDC will emerge victorious in the December 7 polls to reset the country as espoused by the party’s flag bearer and presidential candi­date, John Dramani Mahama.

The Assembly member for Ma­taheko electoral area, Peter Akpleh Agyemang, advised the youth to view the election as a contest of ideas and policies and choose their preferred candidate based on their conviction.

“The youth including myself are the future leaders of this country and must eschew any violent act that could endanger their future if the peace of the country is disrupt­ed,” he admonished.

The Mataheko electoral area As­semblyman added his voice to the call for fairness and transparency by the Electoral Commission in the coming elections, urging the insti­tutions responsible for elections to be impartial and credible.