The Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Mr. Sulemana Braimah has cautioned against violence ahead of December 7 polls.
He discussed the complexities surrounding the upcoming elections in Ghana.
His remarks underscored key issues, including the pledges made by candidates, concerns about violence, and the role of international observers.
Mr. Braimah began by acknowledging the significance of pledges made by the 12 presidential candidates.
According to him, while these commitments are symbolic and potentially impactful, they often mask underlying realities. He emphasized;
“I don’t think that any politician or any of the candidates would want to be seen to be somebody who is not committed to peace because it could have electoral consequences.”
Mr. Sulemana Braimah Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)
He cited the case of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which raised concerns about signing a peace accord without the inclusion of key stakeholders like the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the judiciary, and the Attorney General. Despite these demands, Mr. Braimah noted that;
“The answer obviously is no. They were present and made statements. But in terms of signing as a commitment, that did not happen.”
Mr. Sulemana Braimah Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)
Mr. Braimah highlighted how violence in certain parts of the country could have serious electoral implications.
He referred specifically to Bawku and other conflict-prone areas where political and ethnic tensions are deeply entrenched. He lamented;
“In one particular territory of this country, everyday people are being killed, and we are seven days into elections. And it appears that when we are doing our analysis and calculations about whether the elections will be more peaceful or not, we tend to forget that.”
Mr. Sulemana Braimah Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)
The escalating conflict in Bawku, for example, has raised questions about whether elections can even be held there. He observed;
“In the event elections are not held, because the gun battles escalate, are we going to conclude that the elections were more peaceful? I doubt.”
Mr. Sulemana Braimah Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)
He also mentioned that depending on election outcomes, tensions in such regions could either escalate or diminish.
Historical Precedents and Current Concerns
Recalling events from the 2020 elections, Mr. Braimah pointed to incidents in Techiman and Accra where violence led to loss of lives.
He warned that the 2024 elections could see similar or worse violence as happened in Techiman during previous elections if precautions are not taken.
“We are in a situation where a traditional authority says we are imposing a ban on political campaigns of a particular political party, you know, throughout six constituencies.”
Mr. Sulemana Braimah Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)
He noted that such developments are unprecedented in Ghana’s democratic history. He mentioned;
“Those who understand the Bawku context will tell you that it is difficult for candidates of the NPP, for example, to openly campaign for their presidential candidate.”
Mr. Sulemana Braimah Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)
Despite his concerns, Mr. Braimah expressed some confidence in the security forces. He emphasized; ”At this stage, maybe the assurances from the police can be taken more seriously than perhaps in previous elections.”
However, he warned that cracks within the armed forces could undermine public trust in their neutrality and effectiveness. He further highlighted the importance of the international community. He noted;
“A lot of the work we do ahead of elections or elections-related work by almost every CSO is supported by these international organizations.”
Mr. Sulemana Braimah Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)
Mr. Braimah’s analysis painted a picture of an election cycle fraught with challenges but not without hope.
His call to action is clear, stakeholders must address the underlying tensions and prioritize the safety and inclusivity of the electoral process. He cautioned;
“If care is not taken, this year’s elections might end up being perhaps more violent than maybe previous elections. But of course, we do have some assurances.”
Mr. Sulemana Braimah Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)
As Ghana heads into a pivotal election on December 7, Mr. Sulemana Braimah’s remarks are a sobering reminder of the stakes involved and the collective responsibility to uphold peace and democracy.
