Peace is a prerequisite for development and for this reason everybody is enjoined to be a troubleshooter in the society in order to facilitate growth, development and prosperity. Anything to the contrary will lead to stunted growth and the deterioration of living standards and conditions.
Ghana has become the beacon of hope on a continent with many trouble spots because for more than two decades the country has enjoyed peace and stability despite the existence of a few flash points.
We have held five successful elections since 1992 to usher in new regimes or remove ruling governments from power without any serious security problems.
It is recalled that before, during and after the last general election many of our friends thought that the country would fall apart because of the tempo of the campaign for power by the political parties.
The dividends of democracy cannot be reaped fully if peace and tranquillity are taken for granted, for good governance, rule of law, respect for civil liberties, and the conduct of regular elections cannot be guaranteed in an atmosphere of war or disturbances.
All eyes are on Ghana now from all over the world because of our success at promoting democratic governance. Investors, tourists and everybody feel safe in the country as a result of our respect for rule of law. It is only when those who feel aggrieved can seek redress in the law courts and are guaranteed a fair hearing that they will risk their capital in the country.
Nonetheless, when certain internal developments threaten the peace and stability of the country then there is cause for worry.
We make reference to the one-time peaceful environment on the Akuapem Ridge that has been rocked in recent times by disputes among residents of towns that used to sit together to discuss matters of mutual interest.
The Akuapems are noted for their discipline and respect to such an extent that it is said that if an Akuapem wants to be rude he or she will precede such a remark with an apology.
Thus for a very long time the people of the Ridge have enjoyed peace and development until the 1990s when the Akuapem Traditional Council disintegrated with some of the wings breaking away from the centre to claim their autonomy as paramountcies because of a dispute between the people of Akropong and Abiriw.
The latest dispute between the people of Abiriw and Dawu that led to the death of one person over a land dispute will further aggravate the volatile situation in the area.
The dispute between Abiriw and Dawu will also retard mediation efforts by the Eastern Regional Co-ordinating Council to bring peace onto the Akuapem Ridge.
The Daily Graphic appeals to the parties in the dispute to bury the hatchet and come together as one people determined to fight their common enemy of poverty, disease and ignorance.
We are concerned about the developments on the Ridge just like any flash points in the country because conflicts distract us from the serious business of providing for the needs of the people.
It costs a lot of money to maintain peace in any conflict zone and it behoves all to maintain the peace so that the government can channel resources for the deployment of security personnel into the provision of basic amenities such as schools, roads and hospitals.
The Daily Graphic calls on all people of goodwill on the Ridge and beyond to impress upon the troublemakers to give peace a chance in order to maintain the area as a tourist hub and a citadel of education.
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