In anticipation of Ghana’s 2024 election, the United Nations office in Ghana, in collaboration with the National Peace Council, has initiated the ‘I Pledge for Peace Campaign’ set to commence this month of April.
The campaign seeks to cultivate a culture of peace, advocate for peaceful elections, and champion tolerance and harmonious coexistence throughout the electoral process.
A joint statement co-signed by Faith Junko Exison, Head of Public Relations at the National Peace Council, and Cynthia Prah, the National Information Officer for the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), outlines the campaign’s comprehensive engagement strategy.
It aims to involve a diverse array of stakeholders, including individuals, communities, civil society organizations, governmental bodies, religious leaders, and youth groups.
Mr. Charles Abani, the UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, specifies that elections should not serve as a catalyst for conflict or divisive rhetoric.
He underscores the campaign’s objective of encouraging stakeholders to publicly commit to peace, thereby fostering a tranquil electoral atmosphere.
Central to the campaign is the encouragement for individuals and organizations to publicly pledge their commitment to peace, utilizing platforms such as social media to amplify the message and solidify a collective dedication to peaceful elections.
Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman of the National Peace Council, underscores the significance of individual contributions to peace by advocating for tolerance and respect for life and property.
He reaffirms the Council’s unwavering support for the campaign, aiming for a peaceful election in December 2024.
While acknowledging Ghana’s democratic progress, the UN reaffirms its commitment to supporting the country’s development agenda within a peaceful environment. The ‘I Pledge for Peace Campaign’ epitomizes a collaborative endeavor between the UN, the National Peace Council, and various stakeholders, aimed at fostering a peaceful and inclusive electoral process in Ghana, thereby upholding its status as a regional exemplar of democratic governance.
Additionally, insights gathered by RGGNEWS from Ghanaian citizens indicate optimism regarding the peace campaign’s potential to encourage parties to conduct professional, conflict-free campaigns, preserving the nation’s peace and stability.
Margaret Berko, a fashion designer, reflects on Ghana’s history of peaceful elections since 1992, citing the 2012 election where the opposition peacefully accepted the court’s verdict. She views the peace campaign as a timely reminder of Ghana’s longstanding tradition of peaceful elections.
John Appau, a salesman, acknowledged the importance of the peace campaign in Ghana but added a nuanced perspective, suggesting that while peace is crucial, the political arena often operates under the mantra of “all is fair in love and war.”
He emphasized the inevitability of facing criticism and challenges in the pursuit of power. However, he underscored the overarching importance of prioritizing the nation’s interests above individual ambitions, recognizing that without a stable nation, there can be no meaningful political race.
On the other hand, Oforiwaa Sefah, a level 300 student at Knutsford University College, highlighted the significance of the alliance between the UN and the National Peace Council. She noted that this partnership signifies the importance of Ghana’s democracy on the global stage.
She says Ghana has consistently promoted peace across all endeavours and should continue to uphold this tradition before and after the election scheduled for December 7, 2024.
