ACCRA, November 11, 2008 — Ghana’s landmark presidential and parliamentary elections will be held on December 7, 2008! Democracy continues to make important strides in Ghana, placing the country in among Africa’s most peaceful and progressive. This has brought about a great deal of goodwill and development to the nation as well as political stability, at a time when other neighboring countries in have been in turmoil. Peace and progress in Ghana cannot, however, be taken for granted and, as the country prepares for another test to its democracy, efforts are being made by concerned Ghanaians to consolidate, maintain and sustain the PEACE.
Ghanaians and friends of Ghana have cause to worry about the country’s ability to remain an island of tranquility in a hitherto stormy neighborhood. Over the past few months, the electioneering process has been beset by confirmed and unconfirmed reports of violence, fighting and peace-threatening political bickering. It is no surprise, therefore, that initiatives such as the Peace Train, have already sprung up with the aim of promoting peace in a country known for its culture of peaceful co-existence.
The Peace Train is an artistic “statement” with a socio-political purpose! With the slogan – GHANA FIRST… WE LOVE PEACE, the core group forming the Peace Train, the United Ghanaian Artistes for Peace (UGAP), featuring all the winners of the country’s prestigious MUSIGA 2007 Awards and other leading Ghanaian artistes, first worked very hard to produce a Peace Song entitled – WE LOVE PEACE! The song, which is on track to become a national hit, and a video to match, is currently being played on all TV stations in Ghana. The song evokes the value of unity before, during and after the elections.
The artistes on the Peace Song are Diana Hopeson, Amandzeba, Shasha Marley, Kwaw Kesse (Abodam), Adane Best, Ohemaa Mercy, Chemphe, 5 Five, Spirit, Wutah, Kitchen, Blaq Swede, Sherifatu Gunu, Rev Lenny Akpade, Grace Ashey, Ceasar, Slow Gem, Philipa Berfi, Jane and Irene, Reggy Zippy, Isaac, Cee, Ampong, A.B. Crentsil, Patty, Okuraseni Samuel, Jerry Borketey, and the indomitable King Ayisoba.
In the words of Hon S.K. Boafo, Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture, who played a leading role in bringing the Peace Train idea into fruition, “Ghana is all we have, and we should stop at nothing to ensure that peace prevails during this election. We have done it before, and we should do it again.”
The World Bank Ghana Office has been facilitating this initiative and provided initial financial support for it to take off. Ishac Diwan, World Bank Country Director for Ghana, in whose house the idea was conceived during a reception in honor of the MUSIGA 2007 Awardees, commended the voluntary spirit with which the artistes are pursuing this peace agenda. “It is a good feeling to see these young musicians take up what was just a little discussion from its beginning to such a level, that we now have not just a nice song and a beautiful video, but a whole platform which is bringing many peace-loving people together for a noble course.” Part of the Bank’s support also helped fund the writing, production and promotion of the song and the video.
According to Nana Adwoa Awindor, the tireless CEO of Premier Productions and chief promoter of this initiative, “it has taken a lot of hard work and dedication to come this far, and I would like to use this opportunity to call for support from all to enable the Train to travel across the country with the message of Peace.” Describing what should be expected during tours, Nana Adwoa hints – peace walks, peace messages, cultural and musical performances, poetry recitals, drama, and a “sing for peace” competition. The final event is slated for Independence Square, Accra, on November 29, 2008 and will be done in collaboration with similar other peace initiatives.
Amandzeba, the MUSIGA executive who has been in the team from the very beginning, expresses gratitude on behalf of MUSIGA to the World Bank and all others who have been supporting this initiative, and added his voice to the call for support particularly from corporate entities for the full roll-out of the intended programs nationwide.
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