Ghana’s recent slip on the Peace Index has prompted President John Dramani Mahama to issue a strong call for action.
During the Post-Election Evaluation Dialogue in Koforidua on July 4, the President addressed Ghana’s fall from 51st to 55th place globally in the 2024 Global Peace Index rankings.
Despite the decline, Ghana continues to hold its place as the most peaceful nation in West Africa and fourth in sub-Saharan Africa.
Accordingly, President Mahama described the new ranking as “a wake-up call” and emphasized the need for greater vigilance and proactive measures to resolve the root causes of societal unrest.
He underscored that the government, in collaboration with the National Peace Council and civil society groups, has launched initiatives aimed at building national consensus, reinforcing conflict-prevention strategies, and boosting public confidence in key democratic institutions.
“Elections are, by nature, high-stakes events. They are contests of ideas and ideologies often influenced by deeply held convictions and competing visions for national development.
“While Ghana once again demonstrated its democratic resilience in the 2024 elections, culminating in a largely peaceful transfer of power, we cannot ignore that the process was marred by isolated acts of violence in some constituencies.”
President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama strongly denounced the acts of violence that occurred during the electoral process and emphasized the urgent need for those responsible to be held accountable.
He urged the Inspector General of Police to accelerate investigations to ensure justice is served.
Additionally, he revealed that the Attorney-General is preparing a detailed report that will be shared with the victims and the families impacted by the election-related incidents.
In his address, the President extended appreciation to the Electoral Commission, security agencies, civil society, political parties, and the electorate for their collective efforts in safeguarding Ghana’s democratic values.
Nevertheless, he stressed that more needs to be done to ensure political differences do not devolve into tools of division or conflict.
He cited the 2019 Vigilantism and Related Offenses Act as a positive step that has helped curb politically motivated violence.
Building on this legal foundation, the National Peace Council and its partners have launched public education campaigns, empowered electoral bodies, and mobilized the youth and civil society organizations to champion peace before, during, and after elections.
“Violence still thrives when grievances are left unresolved, when institutions are perceived to be biased, and when political discourse becomes toxic. We must confront these challenges boldly.”
President John Dramani Mahama
As such, he stressed the importance of confronting these challenges head-on, rather than avoiding them.
Mahama Champions Unity, Reform in National Dialogue
President Mahama further emphasized the importance of thoroughly investigating how genuine electoral materials, including official ballot papers, find their way into the possession of unauthorized individuals during general elections.
He highlighted that ensuring transparency and accountability within the electoral system is essential to maintaining the country’s stability and democratic integrity.
The President urged Ghanaians to recognize that the future they aspire to cannot be built on division. Instead, it requires collective purpose, mutual respect, and meaningful engagement that transcends political affiliations, ethnic backgrounds, and religious beliefs.
President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, the rule of law, and a culture of listening. “No nation can prosper in an atmosphere of fear, suspicion, and exclusion,” he stated.
“This national dialogue, bringing together political parties, religious and social sector actors, is timely and necessary because through dialogue we cultivate mutual understanding, we reduce tensions, and create shared commitments toward the Ghana we all desire.”
President John Dramani Mahama
In a passionate appeal, President Mahama urged all stakeholders to move beyond political affiliations and embrace a collective national identity rooted in unity and service.
He called for a renewed spirit of civic responsibility that transcends party colors and prioritizes the nation’s shared future. He reminded attendees that despite their differences, all Ghanaians are united under one flag, representing hope and solidarity.
He also encouraged participants to ensure that the dialogue’s discussions translate into meaningful policy recommendations.
These outcomes, he stressed, should be submitted to the relevant bodies, including the Constitutional Review Committee, for proper consideration and implementation.
Reinforcing his message, the President emphasized that strengthening Ghana’s democracy requires more than just holding elections. It calls for thoughtful reforms that align with the aspirations of the people.
He underscored that building peace is not a singular event but an ongoing process requiring dedication, awareness, and long-term commitment.
Quoting the late Nelson Mandela, the President concluded by stating that “great anger and violence can never build a nation.”
He called on citizens to reject divisive politics and empower the youth to value dialogue.“Let us empower our young people to believe in dialogue over violence, cooperation over conflict, and service over self-interest.”
President Mahama concluded by reaffirming his strong commitment to advancing democratic progress and fostering national cohesion.
He pledged to make every effort within his capacity to support the effective implementation of the recommendations put forward by the National Constitutional Review Committee, underscoring his resolve to uphold the principles of good governance and inclusive reform.
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