In a stark warning ahead of Ghana’s upcoming general election, the National Election Response Group (NERG) has sounded the alarm on growing tensions in the country’s political landscape.

This coalition of state institutions, civil society organizations, and non-partisan election stakeholders has been closely monitoring the pre-election environment and security situations since its inception in May 2024. With a few months to go before the December elections, NERG has released an update addressing pressing concerns that could destabilize the electoral process.

NERG’s latest statement highlighted several concerning trends that threaten to undermine Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in West Africa. At the forefront of these concerns is the escalating practice of defacing and destroying political party publicity materials.

“This trend of destroying posters, billboards, and other campaign materials is alarming,” Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu Gyamfi, Chairman of NERG warned. “If left unchecked, it could lead to breaches of peace and potentially destabilize our democratic process.”

While such actions might appear trivial, NERG rightfully points out that these acts could sow seeds of discord and escalate into larger conflicts. A seemingly minor act of tearing down a poster or defacing a billboard could trigger retaliation and spark violence between opposing political factions.

In a country that has long prided itself on democratic stability, these incidents are a stark reminder of the fragility of peace, especially in a charged election season.

NERG’s statement encouraged the public to refrain from participating in or supporting such acts, emphasizing that peaceful coexistence depends on the tolerance and respect for differing political opinions.

The group also called on the Ghana Police Service to heighten surveillance and respond swiftly to instances of vandalism to preserve the peace that Ghana has enjoyed in its democratic journey.

NERG again appealed to political parties to exercise restraint in their campaign strategies, avoiding actions that might provoke unnecessary reactions from opposing factions.

Another pressing issue highlighted by NERG is the increasing tendency for political and religious figures to whip up religious sentiment during election campaigns. This development is viewed with grave concern by the group, who emphasized the importance of maintaining interfaith harmony in Ghana’s multicultural society.

“Recalling our history of peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths is crucial as we approach these elections.
“We must promote acts of religious tolerance and understanding to ensure a smooth electoral process.”
Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu Gyamfi, Chairman of NERG

In a country where Christians, Muslims, and adherents of traditional African religions live side by side, the danger of religious polarization should not be underestimated. If not addressed, this issue could lead to tension that extends beyond the political sphere, impacting social cohesion.

Building Consensus for a Credible Election

Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu Gyamfi, Chairman of NERG

Despite these challenges, NERG expressed deep gratitude to various stakeholders for their cooperation in building consensus towards a credible electoral process.

The group further expressed its appreciation for the efforts made by key stakeholders—namely, the Electoral Commission (EC), the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and other political parties—for their role in building consensus around a credible and robust voters’ register.

“We are optimistic that the Electoral Commission will continue working with all political parties and stakeholders to further strengthen our electoral system,” Rev. Dr. Gyamfi said.

The voters’ register has often been a contentious issue in Ghana’s elections, with accusations of discrepancies and manipulation surfacing in previous electoral cycles.

However, NERG’s commendation of the current cooperation between the EC and political parties is a testament to the strides being made in strengthening the electoral system.

NERG’s statement also expressed hope that the EC will continue to engage with political parties and stakeholders in the coming months to further enhance the credibility of the electoral process.

Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu Gyamfi, Chairman of NERG, reassured Ghanaians that the group is committed to monitoring the electoral environment and taking necessary actions to promote peaceful elections.

The success of the 2024 polls will undoubtedly set a precedent for future elections not just in Ghana, but across the continent. It remains to be seen whether Ghana can maintain its position as a model of democratic stability in West Africa, or if the challenges of electoral violence and vigilantism will begin to erode its reputation.

One thing is certain – the eyes of the nation and the world are fixed on Ghana as it prepares to cast its ballots once again. The choices made in the coming months will shape not just the immediate future of Ghana’s politics, but the very fabric of its democracy for generations to come.