A member of the Bono Regional Peace Council has called on queen mothers to be neutral and just in their dealings with political actors ahead of the general elections in December. 

Dr Vida Korang, who doubles as a senior lecturer at the Catholic University College of Ghana, said the critical role they play in the sustenance of peace in the country’s democratic process is often overlooked. 

She, however, urged them to continue to be non-partisan in the discharge of their cherished roles in the communities. 

Dr. Korang was speaking at the maiden memorial peace lecture for late queen mother of the Sunyani Traditional Area, Nana Yaa Nyamaa Puduo II in Sunyani on Saturday.

It was under the theme 'Female Traditional leadership, Covid-19 pandemic, and Peaceful Election 2020.'

The event, organised by the Bono Regional Peace Council attracted people from all walks of life, including the security personnel, political party members, academia, media, and traditional leaders.

Dr Korang said queen mothers rule over a different group of people and with different interests, hence the need to be seen as representing the interest of all and remaining nonpartisan.

“Engaging in partisan politics can cause divisions in our communities since it has the potential of making other groups or persons feeling excluded,” she said.

She added that when queen mothers align themselves to a particular group they lose the capacity and confidence of the people to preside over mediations and unfit to resolve conflicts.

“Even if you do, your decisions will not be taken or respected,” she added.

Dr Korang said it is equally crucial for queen mothers to update their conflict resolution skills going into the elections to offer an unbiased resolution.

“Knowledge becomes outmoded over time as the way of dealing with issues changes. Constant upgrade in peace and conflict resolution skills will instill confidence to deal with whatever political dispute that comes your way, with the resultant effect in ensuring a peaceful and violent free election,” she said.

There was the education on Covid-19 safety measures but the violence that has marked the voter registration exercise remained a worry as it has no place in the life of the late queen. The youths are often used to cause this avoidable political violence.

Sunyani Municipal Chief Executive, Justina Owusu Banahene said the late Queen Mother was an epitome of peace and as such all political actors must strive towards a violent free election. 

He noted that elections cannot be won at the expense of other people’s lives as there will not be anyone to rule over.

“Though the political-ideological differences are there, let exhibit the good moral training we all had at home and live as social beings, so that together we can build and progress human lives”, she stressed.

National President of the queen mother’s Association and Queen mother of Odumase number one, Nana Abena Boatemaa called on the youths to emulate the peaceful nature of female traditional leaders. 

She urged them to always consider the community they come from before allowing themselves to be used by politicians to perpetrate violence.