The president of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs has called for political tolerance ahead of the 2012 General elections. Naa SD Goree II has deplored the increasing insults in the media landscape churned out by political leaders against opponents. He made the address on Monday during President John Mills’ five day visit to the Northern and Upper Regions of Ghana. “As we march towards election 2012 there is the need for political tolerance among the political parties in the country. The game has rules and regulations and all must abide by them,” he said. His admonition comes in the wake of what has been described as a media saturated with insults and heat with no light being shed by political activists. Naa Goree II urged the political leaders to call their followers to order if and when they go astray in their comments. He also reminded religious leaders of their responsibilities to keep politicians in check and the need to preach peace ahead of the elections. “The churches and other religious and peace organizations as well as Nananom in the country should all start preaching peace so that 2012 will pass as an event-free year,” he said. On his part, the president John Mills pledged to exercise political power in the supreme interest of the populace. “Governance is not about power struggle. Power struggle in the end, if it is violent, does not lead to anything. Power must be used to serve the people. Power should not be used to serve inflated egos and for partisan or for personal gains. “Power as they say belongs to the people. Power belongs to God and it must be used for the benefit of our people. To this end I and my colleagues pledge,” the president stated. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonine.com/Ghana