Nii Amarkai III, Asere Dzaasetse, has urged the Electoral Commission (EC) and the Police to enhance security in the Odododiodio Constituency to ensure violence-free elections in December.
He has also called on election stakeholders to increase visibility in the constituency to deter any unscrupulous individuals who may attempt to steal ballot boxes.
Nii Amarkai III made the call during a visit from Manye Naakyei Dode Akabi, the Paramount Queen Mother of Obutu/Awutu, at James Town.
The occasion also allowed the queen mother to take the oath of allegiance to the Asere Stool. It was attended by other queen mothers and traditional leaders.
The constituency is known as one of the hotspots during elections in the country.
While urging Ghanaians not to sell their votes as the nation approached the polls, Nii Amarkai III also called on politicians to refrain from the practice of vote buying.
He stressed the need for laws to be implemented to deter vote selling and encouraged voters to prioritize issues when making their decisions at the polls.
Nii Amarkai III stressed the need for traditional rulers to educate their subjects to avoid fighting while casting their votes.
“Voting is not fighting; voting is to exercise your right to choose leaders to lead the country to develop.
“The Electoral Commission should provide adequate security and a lighting system to prevent people from running away with ballot boxes,” he said.
Regarding the rise in chieftaincy disputes, Nii Amarkai III urged traditional rulers to adhere to family succession plans in the installation of chiefs and other leaders.
He condemned the monetization of chieftaincy and the interference of some politicians in chieftaincy institutions, stating that such actions created confusion and tension in the country.
Nii Amarkai III urged the government to ensure that beggars, particularly foreign nationals who have taken to the streets of Accra, are removed from the area.
“In some French countries, you will not see people begging on the Streets but in Accra we encourage all kinds of things on streets.”
Nii Amarkai III announced that following the ceremony in James Town, the queen mother would be registered and become a member of the Queen Mothers Association of Ghana.
He noted that she had significant work ahead of her, as her area faced numerous challenges, including a lack of accessible roads and potable water.
Manye Naakyei Dode Akabi told journalists that the people of Ayawaso were in urgent need of basic social amenities, such as good roads and potable water.
She appealed to the government to assist in constructing a modern market and building accessible roads in the area.
The queen mother pledged to focus on empowering women, particularly widows, in her community.
She also emphasized her commitment to supporting orphans.
