Political party leaders have been urged to encourage their supporters and followers to desist from acts that could create tension and lead to violence in their communities.

They should advise the youth among them to refrain from hate speech and indecent language before, during and after the December elections.

Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Gado Watara, the leader of the Wangara community in the Ashanti region, who made the call, said peace was critical in the country’s quest for sustainable development.

He was addressing a durbar of the Gonja community in the Ashanti, as part of activities to celebrate the Damba festival and the first anniversary of the enstoolment of Alhaji Abdul Fatah Iddrisu Ababio, the leader of the Gonja community in Ashanti.

The Damba festival is commemorated to honour the birth and naming of Prophet Mohammed, yet the essence of the celebration revolves around the reverence of chieftaincy.

Under the theme “Advancing Peace, Unity, and Progress: Empowering the Youth” the festival aimed to enlighten the youth to resist any instigation towards violence.

The head of the Wangara community emphasized that “as Zango people, it is our fundamental duty to defy detractors by upholding peace, unity, and concord before, during, and after the elections within our community.

Political parties may come and go, but our communities endure, and we must act responsibly”, he stated.

Nana Baffour Asabre Kogyawoasu, Otumfuo’s Chief Priest, in a brief message, urged all the northern tribes residing in the area to continue to organize such events to educate the new generation about the culture and traditions of their tribes.

He advised the traditional leaders in Zongo communities to counsel the youth on their lifestyles, particularly on the dangers of reckless motorcycle riding, smoking marijuana, and other harmful substances.

Representatives from both the NDC and NPP echoed messages of unity and urged the electorate to vote for their respective candidates in the upcoming presidential elections.