In the lead-up to the December elections, Ghanaians have been urged to avoid actions and statements that could jeopardize the peace and stability of the nation.
Reverend Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Peace Council, emphasized the importance of non-violent approaches to resolving grievances during this critical period. He made these remarks at a stakeholders’ forum organized by the National Peace Council in Kumasi, focusing on the conduct of peaceful elections.
“Maintaining peace is a shared responsibility among all stakeholders. Political parties, civil society organizations, the media, and the general public must collaborate in promoting peace and stability.”
Reverend Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Peace Council
Rev. Adu-Gyamfi underscored that peaceful elections are vital for the continued development and progress of Ghana.
Rev. Adu-Gyamfi highlighted the necessity of creating awareness about election-related laws, vigilantism, and the repercussions of these activities on the electoral process. He advocated for the promotion of positive virtues such as tolerance, love for neighbors, transparency, and accountability.
According to him, the Peace Council has consistently worked towards ensuring understanding and peaceful coexistence among political parties and remains committed to ensuring peaceful elections this year.
Mr. Ebenezer Ofori Asiedu, Head of Democracy and Good Governance Division of the ECOWAS Commission, acknowledged Ghana’s strong democratic foundation. However, he cautioned against complacency and emphasized the need to safeguard the nation against potential violence.
Mr. Asiedu affirmed that ECOWAS would maintain a keen interest in Ghana’s electoral process and continue to cooperate with all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful transition.
Electoral Commission’s Commitment
Mr. Samuel Tettey, Deputy Commissioner of the Electoral Commission, reiterated the EC’s commitment to conducting credible and transparent elections. He emphasized the importance of building consensus among stakeholders and finding common ground to ensure peaceful elections.
“Protecting Ghana’s democracy is a constitutional mandate of the EC, and the Commission would remain neutral, and impartial, and create a level playing field for all stakeholders.”
Mr. Samuel Tettey, Deputy Commissioner of the Electoral Commission
As part of efforts to ensure a clean voter register, Mr. Tettey urged eligible voters to check their names when the register is opened again. He reassured the public that the EC could not manipulate election results and that the forthcoming elections would reflect the will of the people.
The forum, themed “Building Trust for Peaceful Election 2024,” brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the police, parliament, political parties, media, and judiciary.
The primary objective was to raise public awareness and sensitize the populace on preventing electoral violence among political parties. Additionally, the dialogue aimed to foster trust among political actors and institutions such as the Electoral Commission (EC) and the judiciary.
The forum underscored the critical role of trust in the electoral process. Building trust among political actors, institutions, and the general public is essential for peaceful elections.
The National Peace Council’s initiative to engage various stakeholders demonstrates a proactive approach to mitigating electoral violence and fostering a culture of peace.
The stakeholders agreed on the need for continuous dialogue and engagement to address potential sources of conflict. They recognized that elections could be a flashpoint for violence if not managed properly. Therefore, it is imperative to establish mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution.
As Ghana stands at the precipice of its general elections, the call for peace and unity is more critical than ever. Stakeholders across the board have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the democratic process unfolds smoothly and peacefully.
With the collective effort of the Peace Council, the EC, and the ECOWAS Commission, along with the active participation of the public, Ghana is poised to uphold its reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa.
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