Ahead of Ghana’s general elections scheduled for December 7, the National Peace Council (NPC) has issued a stern warning to political parties and their leaders against engaging in violent rhetoric or actions aimed at securing electoral victory.
The National Chairman of the NPC, Rev. Dr Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, emphasized the council’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful electoral process. Rev. Dr Adu-Gyamfi highlighted the NPC’s role in closely monitoring the political landscape leading up to the elections.
Rev. Dr Adu-Gyamfi underscored the importance of maintaining a peaceful atmosphere during campaigns and elections, stating that while optimism about winning is natural among political candidates, resorting to threats of violence to influence electoral outcomes is unacceptable.
“There is nothing wrong when politicians make statements that they are optimistic about winning an election because no one goes to an election and hopes to lose.
“If they make such comments, that is okay as long as they do not cross the red line by threatening to use the police, the military, or other means of violence.”
Rev. Dr Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, National Chairman of the NPC
This statement comes in the context of heightened political tension, where rhetoric around winning elections at any cost has been increasingly prevalent.
The NPC Chairman reiterated that while declarations of victory by political parties could be considered part of the normal campaign process, such declarations should not be accompanied by threats of violence.
Rev. Dr. Adu-Gyamfi further called on political leaders to honor the commitment they made on July 3, 2024, when they signed a peace pact to conduct a campaign free from personal attacks, name-calling, insults, and other indecent practices. This pact, he noted, is crucial for maintaining the peace and stability that Ghana has been known for over the years.
Rev. Dr Adu-Gyamfi added that the NPC would remain vigilant and proactive in addressing any issues that could jeopardize the peace of the nation during the election period. The council, he said, would not hesitate to name and shame political actors who threaten violence or engage in conduct that could destabilize the country.
NCCE’s Stance Against Violent Rhetoric
Supporting the NPC’s stance, the Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Kathleen Addy, also condemned politicians who seek to use violence to achieve political power, labeling them as enemies of Ghana’s democracy.
In her statement, Ms. Addy urged voters to reject such politicians by voting against them in the upcoming elections.
“No voter should shed any blood or risk their lives for politicians who promise violence because they are a danger to peace and order. They should go out with their children to carry out the violence they promise, not you the voters.”
Kathleen Addy, Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE)
Ms. Addy highlighted the importance of peace and stability for national development, reminding politicians that their ambitions should never outweigh the country’s need for peace.
She also warned political actors against making inflammatory statements, noting that the Public Order Act has severe consequences for individuals who incite violence or disrupt public peace.
The NCCE, Ms. Addy assured, would continue its efforts to educate the public on the importance of conducting electoral activities within the legal framework. She stressed that the electorate must be vigilant and reject any form of violence during the election process.
The NPC and NCCE’s warnings come on the heels of controversial statements made by the Member of Parliament for Abetifi in the Eastern Region, Bryan Acheampong.
Mr. Acheampong, who also serves as the Minister of Agriculture, has been criticized for his remarks suggesting that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would win the December elections “by all means possible.” His comments have sparked concern among the public, with many interpreting them as a potential threat to peaceful elections.
In response to Mr. Acheampong’s remarks, Malik Basintale, the Deputy National Communication Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), issued a strong rebuttal. He asserted that the NPP would be compelled to hand over power if they lose the elections, dismissing any notion that the ruling party could hold on to power against the will of the electorate.
As Ghana approaches its general elections, the calls for a peaceful and fair electoral process are becoming increasingly urgent. Both the NPC and the NCCE have taken proactive steps to warn against the dangers of violence in politics and to encourage all stakeholders to uphold the principles of democratic governance.
With these warnings and initiatives in place, there is hope that the upcoming elections will serve as a testament to Ghana’s commitment to peaceful political transitions and the preservation of its democratic values.
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