The National Peace Council (NPC) has issued a press release addressing public concerns regarding delays in the collation of electoral results for three Eastern Region constituencies.
These delays have arisen amidst reported incidents of disruptions, destruction, and arson at collation centers nationwide, prompting the Electoral Commission (EC) to relocate the collation process to the Tesano Police Training School in the Greater Accra Region.
“We urge all political stakeholders to engage constructively and avoid actions that could exacerbate tensions.
“This is a time for Ghana’s political actors to demonstrate leadership and commitment to peace.”
National Peace Council (NPC)
The constituencies in question—Akwatia, Nsawam-Adoagyiri, and Fanteakwa—are at the center of this decision, with heightened public scrutiny on the processes and stakeholders involved.
The NPC is actively engaging relevant parties and advocating for legal, collaborative, and peaceful approaches to address the ongoing impasse.
The NPC noted that the EC initially moved the collation process for these constituencies from their respective regional collation centers to a centralized location in Greater Accra.
This decision comes amidst widely reported disruptions at other collation centers, which included incidents of violence, destruction of electoral materials, and arson.
According to checks by the NPC, the Tesano Police Training School was chosen as the new collation site at the EC’s discretion.
The NPC emphasized that this move was not influenced by any political party or the Ghana Police Service but was solely an operational decision by the EC.
The NPC has also recommended that the EC convene an emergency Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting.
This forum, which includes representatives of all political parties and key stakeholders, is expected to serve as a platform for dialogue and consensus-building.
The NPC expressed confidence that such a meeting would help resolve the impasse and restore trust in the electoral process.
The relocation of the collation exercise highlights broader challenges that have plagued the electoral process.
“Reports of violence at collation centers have cast a shadow over the elections,” the Peace Council highlighted, prompting civil society groups and international observers to call for calm and adherence to democratic principles.
These incidents have drawn criticism from stakeholders, including political parties, who have questioned the security arrangements and logistical planning by the EC. In some cases, accusations of bias and manipulation have further fueled public distrust.
Stakeholder Efforts Towards Resolution
The NPC reassured the public of its ongoing efforts to mediate and foster dialogue among key stakeholders. The Council has been engaging political parties, the EC, and other relevant actors to resolve the current impasse.
“Our commitment is to ensure that peace prevails throughout the electoral process.
“Ghana has a reputation for peaceful elections, and it is imperative that we all work together to uphold this legacy.”
National Peace Council (NPC)
The NPC also urged citizens to remain calm and patient as the EC completes the collation process. The Council emphasized that trust in the electoral system and institutions is fundamental to the country’s democratic stability.
The NPC lauded the media for its role in broadcasting election-related activities and providing updates to the Ghanaian public. Transparency, the Council noted, is critical to fostering public confidence in the electoral process.
In its release, the NPC encouraged journalists and media houses to continue their diligent reporting, ensuring that coverage remains accurate, balanced, and constructive.
The Council warned against sensationalism, which could inflame tensions or spread misinformation during this sensitive period.
As the collation process at Tesano Police Training School continues under the watchful eyes of stakeholders, the NPC’s press release served as a timely reminder of the need for calm, dialogue, and respect for democratic principles.
The Council’s proactive engagement, coupled with the efforts of the EC and political actors, will be instrumental in steering the country toward a peaceful resolution.
Ghana’s democracy has weathered challenges in the past, and the current situation offers another opportunity for the nation to demonstrate its resilience and commitment to peace.
The NPC’s appeal to all stakeholders—political parties, the EC, the media, and citizens—underscores the collective responsibility required to ensure a credible and peaceful electoral process.
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