John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer of the leading opposition party, the National Democratic Congress has cautioned the public to maintain peace as the nation prepares to vote during elections come Monday, December 7, 2020.
Speaking at the ongoing presidential candidate’s peace signing pact event ahead of the election, he pledged to abide by the ethos of the constitution and also ensure peace during the electoral process.
“As we end our campaigns tomorrow and prepare to vote on Monday I pledge to ensure peace and preserve the stability of our dear nation, Ghana. Elections are about counting heads and not cutting heads and so we will work together towards peaceful elections”.
Endearing security agencies and stakeholders to act professionally by maintaining law and order, Mr. Mahama recounted the violence-riddled Ayawaso West-Wuogon conflict desiring for it not to be repeated in this year’s election.
“I urge the security agencies, voters and all stakeholders to ensure law and order. We expect to see all security personnel behave professionally, all those deployed for election to be in uniform with visible name tags and service numbers. Let us strive to prevent the violence of the past… our country stands at critical juncture of its history of so many dependent on the power of a thumb.
“Now more than ever, we need the democracy of our institutions to work impartially to deliver an outcome that is fair, transparent and in the national interest. The electoral commission, the judiciary, the security services and the media hold the future of our nation in their hands.
Commending the United States over the utmost display of democracy despite differences, he questioned “will our institutions perform the same in the face of a similar situation?”
“Recent events under the current administration have given many anxious moments of doubts about this administration’s ability to deliver a peaceful, violence free election. The events of Ayawaso West-Wuogon are fresh in our minds; this administration’s refusal to sanction persons in assaulting an honorable Member of Parliament and injuring scores of people remain one of the darkest days in our democratic history.
“Reckless remarks by members of the ruling party over the unfortunate events of Ayawaso West-Wuogon, were just a dress rehearsal for the actual election, do not inspire confidence in the delivery of a peaceful election.
According to him, a timely intervention led by the Peace Council led to “the two leading parties” signing an agreement of “twenty two deliverables” for the eradication of vigilantism.
“Of these twenty two deliverables, eighteen were dependent on government. As far as I’m aware, the government has failed to sign the agreement”.
In spite of the worrying trend of event, the NDC flagbearer expressed optimism as “Ghanaians have risen to the occasion and delivered a peaceful, successful election”.
“It is my prayer, that despite our deepest fears, we shall be proved wrong and Ghana will once again be proven to be the beacon of democracy in Africa. We’ve done it before and we can do it again”.
