Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), has admonished Ghanaians to make a conscious effort to maintain Ghana’s reputation as pacesetters of democracy, come December 7.
He indicated that, Ghana has made for herself a good name when it comes to the dispensation of democracy and good governance in the Africa and the world at large. A name, he said, should not be traded for dispute during and after the elections.
Speaking at the National Stakeholders’ Forum to promote peaceful 2020 general elections in Ghana, Dr. Ibn Chambas, highlighted the significance of peaceful elections as a precursor to good governance.
“I will like to highlight that, peaceful elections will also strengthen Ghana’s strategic role in the region and beyond and further deepen its constitutional democracy while reinforcing the aspirations of all Ghanaians to live in peace and harmony.
“Therefore, as part of efforts to enhance national ownership to promote peaceful December 7 elections, the UN in collaboration with ECOWAS has been undertaking a series of pre-electoral consultations with various stakeholders, encourage Ghanaians to preserve Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in the region in line with ECOWAS principles of democracy and good governance.
“The elections will be another opportunity for Ghana to showcase its enviable democratic credentials and for the region to once again recount a success story of democratic consolidation.”
The head of UNOWAS, also spoke at a virtual call at a conference on Ghana’s elections on December 7, held earlier this week at the University for Development Studies Conference Centre in Tamale.
The conference was under the theme, “Delivering peaceful, free, fair and credible elections – a responsibility for all Ghanaians”.
According to Dr. Chambas, beyond being referred to as the beacon of democracy in the continent, “the elections this year should further deepen Ghana’s constitutional democracy while reinforcing the aspirations of all Ghanaians to live in peace, harmony and prosperity.”
“We are optimistic that 2020 will not be any different. However, you will agree with me that no system is so good that it cannot be made better. Therefore, we must remain vigilant and address any challenges that may undermine the peaceful conduct of the elections including, the possible impact of political vigilantism on the elections”.
Additionally, he stressed on the need for hate speeches and the recruitment of the youth to foment violence to be chucked out of the electoral process.
Likewise, he emphasized the need for trust and confidence between political actors and in national institutions to be enhanced and the participation of women guaranteed.
Dr. Chambas reassured the nation that, the United Nations remains a viable partner to Ghana.
“We will continue to enhance concentric partnerships with all relevant actors, both national and international in support of local, regional and national efforts to sustain peace.”
