The National Peace Council (NPC) has commended the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for heeding its appeal to return to the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC).

The National Peace Council in a press statement signed by its Chairman Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi on Wednesday, January 31 2024 indicated that the decision by the opposition National Democratic Congress not to attend Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meetings raised some worrying concerns among various stakeholders in Ghana’s democratic and electoral landscape.

According to Rev. Dr Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, such concerns were brought to the forefront during a ‘Post-Elections Stakeholders’ workshop organized by the National Peace Council at Ada in 2021 in which the participating audience at the workshop tasked the National Peace Council to facilitate the return of the National Democratic Congress to Inter-Party Advisory Committee, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in the democratic process.

“The National Peace Council (NPC) would like to commend the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for heeding its appeal to return to the Inter Party Advisory Committee (IPAC). It will be recalled that after the 2020 elections, the National Democratic Congress decided not to attend the Inter Party Advisory Committee meetings”
Rev. Dr Ernest Adu-Gyamfi

Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamf, the Chairman of the National Peace Council posited that the National Peace Council given the above took responsibility, and engaged with the National Democratic Congress, the Electoral Commission of Ghana and several other stakeholders to encourage the opposition party’s reintegration into Inter-Party Advisory Committee.

According to him, the culmination of such efforts was witnessed on December 14, 2023, during a ‘Stock-taking conference’ organized by the National Peace Council at Peduase where the opposition National Democratic Congress publicly declared its commitment to return to the Inter Party Advisory Committee.

Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, acknowledging the National Democratic Congress’s active participation in two recently held Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC)meetings held on January 22 and 29, 2024 respectively, expressed hope that such commitment will be sustained to further enhance the democratic credentials of Ghana and to also contribute to a more cooperative political atmosphere.

NPC Lauds EC; Call For Consensus-Building Among Stakeholders Ahead Of 2024 Polls

Moreover, the National Peace Council in its statement extended its appreciation to the Electoral Commission of Ghana, political parties, political actors, and all stakeholders within the electoral management system for their support in facilitating the return of the opposition National Democratic Congress to the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC).

The National Peace Council further urged all stakeholders in the political space to prioritize dialogue and consensus-building to ensure a free, fair, credible, and peaceful electoral process in 2024.

Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana

The statement signed by its Chairman, Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, also emphasized the importance of patience in the peace-building process, acknowledging that it can be a slow and intricate journey but yet a very necessary ingredient required to build long lasting peace.

In addition, the National Peace Council called on the general public to appreciate the challenging reality of building peace and to support the National Peace Council and its partners in building a sustainable and peaceful country.

According to the National Peace Council, as Ghana moves closer to the 2024 elections, the return of the National Democratic Congress to the Inter-Party Advisory Committee stands as a positive step towards fostering unity and cooperation among political parties, ultimately contributing to the overall stability and strength of the nation’s democratic foundation.