UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has urged Ghana’s President John Mahama and the opposition leader, Nana Akufo-Addo, to defuse tensions ahead of the country’s Dec. 7 general elections.

According to readout by Ban’s Deputy-Spokesperson, Farhan Haq, the UN chief had separate phone calls with Mahama and Akufo-Addo, head of Ghana’s opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

He said Ban urged the duo to continue their role in defusing tensions towards the holding of peaceful and credible elections in the country.

“The Secretary-General underscored the importance of an environment conducive to peaceful and credible elections, and urged the two leaders to continue their role in defusing tensions and preserving peace.

“Bearing in mind Ghana’s history of political stability and peaceful elections, the Secretary-General underscored the need for all political parties to sign a Code of Conduct,” Ban said.

According to the secretary-general, the signing of a code of conduct will greatly assist in lowering tensions and preventing electoral violence,” the readout added. (NAN)