Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, spokesperson for the National Chief Imam and a member of the National Peace Council, disclosed that Ghana has slipped in its Global Peace Index ranking.
According to Sheikh Shaibu, this decline is a source of concern for both the National Peace Council and the nation as a whole.
He attributed the setback in Ghana’s peace status to several factors, including the ongoing Bawku conflict, chieftaincy disputes, and the increasing polarization of the country’s political landscape.
“To contextualize why it has become necessary for us, December 2024 elections are approaching… and we must ensure that we go through this election once again to transition politically without getting anybody dead”.
“Remember we still have on our hands the death of the eight people during the Techiman South elections. The Ghana Police are yet to inform us at to what level they have reached in their investigation”.
Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu
Sheikh Shaibu noted that Ghana’s political climate has become increasingly toxic, characterized by widespread suspicion, with nearly every state institution under scrutiny.
He expressed dismay that despite their best efforts, institutions like the police, judiciary, and even the National Peace Council are viewed with distrust by the public.
Sheikh Shaibu bemoaned the fact that many individuals are reluctant to seek legal recourse for their grievances, and that political parties are hesitant to commit to a peace agreement ahead of elections.
“Added to that, this is the first time we are having two Northerners…from the two major political parties contesting so that adds a certain dimension to the situation”. – Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu
Sheikh Shaibu observed that the voter registration and voter register exhibition processes have been marred by unusual levels of tension and violence, making the 2024 election distinctly challenging.
He emphasized that this election presents unique complexities, and therefore, called on all stakeholders to roll up their sleeves and work together to guarantee a peaceful electoral process.
Sheikh Shaibu Urges Restraint In Political Rhetoric
Furthermore, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu urged political leaders to exercise restraint in their public discourse, refraining from inflammatory language that could spark violence and undermine the peaceful conduct of the December elections.
He cautioned that incendiary language used by political leaders can inflame their supporters’ emotions, leading to unrest and undermining the peaceful conduct of the elections.
“I have cautioned political actors who are so vituperative and vitriolic in the language that they use in preparing the minds of the supporters. When they speak, it’s like they are speaking to their supporters and preparing their minds. So, they should be cautious not to talk like warlords.”
Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu
Sheikh Shaibu emphasized that history has repeatedly demonstrated the devastating consequences of inflammatory rhetoric, cautioning that unguarded words can spark irreparable harm.
He therefore urged current leaders to draw valuable lessons from past experiences and exercise utmost care in their choice of words, thereby preventing unnecessary escalation and promoting a peaceful environment.
Sheikh Shaibu further emphasized that the Electoral Commission must prioritize the credibility of the electoral process, ensuring that the elections are not only free and fair but also transparent, inclusive, and verifiably accountable.
“We must all agree that the whole destiny of the nation lies on the lap of the EC during election years. So whatever needs to be done to give assurance to the electorate, to ensure the system is free and transparent, and to offer information that the people need to be able to feel comfortable all lies in the power of the EC”.
Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu
He encouraged the EC to be vigilant and responsive, taking all necessary steps to meticulously address every concern and issue that has been raised, thereby fostering trust and confidence in the electoral process.
Sheikh Shaibu noted that certain concerns necessitate the collaborative efforts of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), emphasizing that IPAC’s intervention is essential to effectively address and resolve these specific issues.
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