With just nine days to Ghana’s crucial presidential and parliamentary elections, all presidential candidates have pledged to ensure peaceful electoral outcomes.
On Thursday, November 28, the candidates convened at the Kempinski Hotel to sign a peace pact, underscoring their commitment to maintaining peace before, during, and after the December 7 elections. The agreement binds the candidates to conduct their campaigns in a manner that promotes national unity and stability.
The ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries, including Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, Inspector General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa, Chairman of the National Peace Council Reverend Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, and the National Chief Imam Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu. Presidential candidates in attendance included Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP, John Mahama of the NDC, Daniel Augustus Lartey of the GCPP, Christian Kwabena Andrews of GUM, Kofi Akpaloo of the LPG, Nana Akosua Frimpomaa Kumankuma of the CPP, Hassan Abdulai Ayariga of the APC, Mohammed Frimpong of the NDP, and independent candidates Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, Nana Kwame Bediako, Kofi Koranteng, and George Twum-Barima-Adu.
Reverend Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman of the National Peace Council, emphasised the collective responsibility of Ghanaians to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections. He expressed hope that the peace pact would be more than symbolic and that all candidates would honour their commitments, especially in the aftermath of the December 7 election results. He also urged political parties to avoid actions or rhetoric that could incite violence among their supporters.
Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa described the signing as a significant milestone in Ghana’s democratic journey. She noted that the peace pact symbolises the candidates’ prioritisation of national unity over personal ambitions and demonstrates their dedication to preserving peace during the electoral process.
Inspector General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare commended the conduct of political parties and their supporters since the electoral process began. He reaffirmed the Police Service’s commitment to maintaining peace, security, and law and order throughout the election period. Dr. Dampare assured that the Police would act professionally to safeguard the country’s cherished peace.
Former President and NDC flagbearer John Mahama highlighted the importance of safeguarding peace, warning against the devastating consequences of electoral violence. He reiterated the NDC’s commitment to ensuring peace and urged political leaders to focus on issue-based campaigning while avoiding baseless accusations.
Vice President and NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia also underscored the significance of the peace pact, expressing confidence in Ghana’s ability to conduct peaceful elections. He called on all stakeholders to play their part in fostering peace and harmony, reinforcing Ghana’s democratic values.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo noted that by signing the peace pact, the candidates had made an irrevocable commitment to uphold peace and stability while pursuing their electoral ambitions. She assured the political parties that the judiciary would handle electoral disputes with efficiency and integrity, fulfilling its constitutional mandate to Ghanaians.
As Ghana approaches December 7, the peace pact serves as a powerful reminder of the collective commitment to safeguarding the country’s democratic stability.
