The National Peace Council has issued a strong call for calm and decorum among political actors and the public, following recent disturbances related to the ongoing voter transfer exercise.
In a press statement released by Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman of the National Peace Council, the council emphasized the critical importance of peaceful coexistence and national security before, during and after the election period.
He strongly urged all political actors and social commentators to be decorous and circumspect in campaigning for the votes of the Ghanaian people.
“As the Institution mandated by Act 818, 2011 to, among other things, ‘promote understanding of the values of diversity, trust, tolerance, confidence building, negotiation, mediation, dialogue and reconciliation’, we call on all Political Parties, especially the NDC and the NPP to maintain a high sense of circumspection and restraint as they mount their political platforms”.
Rev Dr Ernest Adu – Gyamfi, Chairman, National Peace Council
The National Peace Council particularly expressed concern over the recent violent incidents amidst the ongoing vote transfer exercise, noting that such actions undermine the democratic process and threaten the country’s stability.
The Chairman of the council, Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, cited the unfortunate incident that happened at the Electoral Commission’s offices in Kasoa in the Awutu Senya East Constituency that marred the voter transfer exercise.
He described the event as a worrying development that necessitates an immediate and effective response from all stakeholders.
Call for Issue-Based Campaigning
Moreover, the National Peace Council reiterated its call for political parties and candidates to engage in issue-based campaigning, asserting the need to focus on policy and substantive issues, rather than resorting to invective and personal attacks.
The statement further emphasized that the practice of issue-based campaigning by candidates across the political parties can help de-escalate tensions and foster a more constructive electoral environment.
Appeal to Security Agencies
Highlighting the role of security agencies in maintaining order, the National Peace Council urged all state security agencies to act swiftly and professionally in addressing any infractions of the law.
Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, the Chairman of the council recounted that a prompt and impartial enforcement of the law is deemed essential to ensuring that all parties and individuals adhere to principles of peace and unity.
He also underscored the critical need for security agencies to protect the electoral process and the safety of all citizens.
Commendation for the Electoral Commission
In addition, the National Peace Council commended the Electoral Commission for its decision to withdraw a contentious letter dated June 2, 2024, which sought to restrict political party agents from observing the voter transfer exercise, sparking a considerable backlash from some stakeholders.
The National Peace Council, while praising the Electoral Commission’s responsiveness urged political party agents to reciprocate the Commission’s decision with peaceful conduct.
The Peace Council also urged all actors, including the Electoral Commission, and political parties to utilize the Inter-Party Advisory Committee to provide for continuous dialogue to address any outstanding differences.
Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, the Chairman of the National Peace Council concluded the statement by urging all stakeholders, including the media, civil society organizations and the general public to do things that will enhance and protect the country’s peace and unity.
He emphasized that by fostering a culture of respect, issue-based discourse, and professional law enforcement, the council believes that the country can navigate the elections peacefully.
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