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Soft-spoken songwriter, Afro-pop and reggae artiste, Joseph Ntim Mensah, now known as Ogya Mensah De Voice, has called on his fellow artistes to use music as a tool to preach peace as the 2016 general election draws near.

He said just as artistes are used in politics and commercial adverts, they can also be used a channel to fight and educate the people against election violence.

Ogya Mensah De Voice disclosed that anytime there is a general election in the country; Ghana’s peace is threatened, saying, “All we want is a violence-free election in Ghana this year.”

He said Ghana cannot sacrifice its peace, stressing his new singles will be targeting the entire populace, irrespective of their political, religious or ethnic backgrounds.

Speaking to BEATWAVES in an interview yesterday, Ogya Mensah De Voice added that Ghanaian artistes should play pivotal roles in the fight against acts that seek to undermine the progress of the upcoming general election.

“The society looks up to us as artistes. It is our duty to use our various platforms to promote peace ahead of the December 7 general election. Many people listen to music so using it as a medium to prevent violence before, during and after the elections is a good strategy,” he said.

The ‘Connection Man’ songwriter advised artistes in the country to strive to make a positive impact on the youth in the country because “peace is what Ghana needs now”.

He, however, advised his colleagues against jumping on the music bandwagon primarily for fame and money, adding, “Most musicians have failed to climb the ladder of success in the fast-growing music industry because they entered the competitive industry with a view to a mass wealth first and not to do people a service.”

Ogya Mensah De Voice also cautioned politicians and leaders in the society to give off their best in office if they wish to retain the confidence and support of the people.

He advised them to get serious because “no seat is reserved for anyone. If you perform well, you can hope to be returned to office; if you perform poorly, you do not deserve the people’s confidence.”