According to the Bono East regional executive secretary of the Council, the dialogue was aimed at encouraging political tolerance and consensus-building among political parties and decency in

the media. Welcoming participants, the chairman of the Bono East regional Peace Council Rev. Prince Owusu Aseku said “ in pursuit of peace it is essential to acknowledge past grievances while also celebrating our shared aspirations.

Together we can weave a narrative of hope, solidarity and co- operation that serves as a guiding light for all of us” He called for a constructive discourse based on mutual respect and collaboration.

Reading an address on behalf of the chairman of the National Peace Council, a member of the Bono East regional Peace Council Dr. King David Amoah said the upcoming elections is yet another opportunity for Ghanaians to demonstrate their commitment to the principles of peace, unity and good governance.

“The dialogue we are engaging in today is focused on understanding the intricacies of the various issues that exist at the constituency level regarding the peace pact signed previously. It is essential to evaluate our progress, identify challenges and draw lessons from past experiences to

inform our actions going forward.” He added. Father James Annor Ohene a lawyer and administrator of the Roman Catholic cathedral in Techiman took participants through the effects of hate speech and other forms of indecent expression as well as vigilantism. He touched on stereotyping, prejudice, bigotry, discrimination and other utterances or acts that dehumanize others adding that this does not make for peaceful co-existence.

On vigilantism, Father Ohene said people engaged in it may metamorphose into extremists who engage in insurgent activities to destabilize communities adding that it remains illegal in the country with perpetrators as well as those who promote it likely to face sanctions which may include a prison term of between 5 and 25 years.

The Atebubu-Amantin municipal director of the National Commission for Civic Education Mr. Patrick Tampugre took participants through some dos and don’ts on election day while the municipal director of the Electoral Commission of Ghana Mr. Kennedy Opoku spoke on the roleof election officials.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Julius Akpelime briefed the gathering on the preparedness of the Police in connection with the elections.

Hon. Sanja Nanja the Member of Parliament for Atebubu-Amantin and Parliamentary candidate of the National Democratic Congress, Mr. Abraham Kwaku Henaa Parliamentary candidate of the Progressive Peoples Party and Mr. Mohammed Sherif the constituency secretary of the New Patriotic Party pledged to work for peace and proceeded to sign a peace pact to affirm their commitment to same.

Present were the clergy, security personnel, traditional authorities and executives of various political parties.