Avoid tribalism in politics – KB Asante

The focus on tribe and other ethnocentric comments uttered by politicians must be condemned and not encouraged in Ghana’s politics, elder statesman K.B. Asante has said.

He was of the view that such acts “reflect a lack of political understanding and the fact that we are a nation”.

Mr Asante’s comments in the wake of statements made by President John Mahama that while campaigning in Lawra, in the Upper West Region that: “I pity Northerners who are calling for change”, adding that he felt sad for the New Patriotic Party’s vice-presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia – a northerner – because the NPP will only “use you and dump you.”

Not enthused by the remarks of the president NPP flag bearer , nana Akufo-Addo bemoaned what he described as politics of tribalism and ethnicity being waged by President John Mahama in his campaign in the northern part of the country with barely two weeks to the conduct of the December 7 elections.

The latest person to condemn all forms of tribal remarks was the former minister who served under Ghana’s first president. He was of the view that “We all have our tribal origin but for politicians to use that as a means for getting to vote from them…I think is dangerous”.

“The implication is that the nation becomes polarized and we should try to stop it,” he charged.

He rather urged politicians to be aware aware that they are fighting for a united nation [and not any tribe].

“Those of us who are educated should realise [that it is inappropriate],” he told Joy FM on Monday, November 21.