In a bid to address concerns surrounding the upcoming 2024 general elections, the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held extensive deliberations with the National Peace Council’s Committee on Code of Conduct on Vigilantism and Elections Related Violence.

The meeting, which took place amidst growing tensions in Ghana’s political arena, focused on ensuring a peaceful electoral process and maintaining the country’s democratic stability. The discussions were marked by a strong emphasis on the need for all political actors to uphold peace before, during, and after the elections.

Mr. Justin Kodua Frimpong, General Secretary of the NPP, opened the meeting with a speech that highlighted the party’s dedication to the peaceful conduct of the 2024 elections. He praised the National Peace Council for its continuous efforts in fostering democracy and peace in Ghana, acknowledging their crucial role in advocating for non-violence.

“The NPP has historical commitment to peaceful political engagement since Ghana’s return to democratic rule in 1992. Even in instances where we had legitimate concerns about the electoral process or outcomes, we have never resorted to violence but rather sought reforms.”
Mr. Justin Kodua Frimpong, General Secretary of the NPP

During his address, Mr. Frimpong reaffirmed the NPP’s commitment to accepting the outcome of the 2024 elections, whether in victory or defeat. This declaration was made in a bid to assure Ghanaians of the party’s dedication to maintaining peace and stability in the country.

However, he also issued a cautionary note, emphasizing that while the NPP is fully committed to refraining from actions that could jeopardize Ghana’s peace, it will not allow itself to be intimidated by any political party.

Mr. Frimpong’s remarks were a clear call for mutual respect and restraint among all political actors. He urged other political parties to also commit to peace by signing the Peace Accord for the 2024 general elections, a symbolic gesture that has been integral in previous elections to demonstrate parties’ dedication to non-violence.

National Peace Council’s Concerns and Recommendations

Alhaji Bin Salih Mauvi, Chairman of the National Peace Council Committee on Code of Conduct on Vigilantism and Elections Related Violence, followed Mr. Frimpong’s address with his own remarks.

Alhaji Mauvi commended both the NPP and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for their efforts in disbanding vigilante groups that had previously been a source of violence and instability during elections.

Despite these efforts, Alhaji Mauvi stressed that more needs to be done to ensure that the 2024 elections are conducted peacefully.

“The National Peace Council is particularly worried about the frequent use of inflammatory language by politicians. We believe this kind of rhetoric threatens the stability of our country, and we must all work to prevent it.”
Alhaji Bin Salih Mauvi, Chairman of the National Peace Council Committee on Code of Conduct on Vigilantism and Elections Related Violence

Alhaji Mauvi called on all political parties to serve as ambassadors for peace, urging them to caution their members against using violence and intimidation as tools in the lead-up to the elections.

The discussions between the NPP leadership and the National Peace Council Committee concluded with a shared understanding of the importance of maintaining peace during the electoral process. Both parties agreed that ensuring a peaceful election is not just the responsibility of political leaders but also of the citizens, media, and civil society organizations.

With pledges to uphold peace and reject violence, the hope is that these efforts will pave the way for a free, fair, and peaceful election in 2024, preserving the country’s hard-earned democratic stability.