The National Peace Council will host a landmark event today, November 28, 2024, bringing together representatives from all political parties and their presidential candidates to sign a Peace Pact. This agreement aims to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and violence-free electoral process as Ghanaians prepare to vote on December 7.
The Peace Pact obligates candidates to uphold peace before, during, and after the elections. It includes commitments to conduct campaigns responsibly and in ways that promote national unity and stability. Speaking with Citi FM, Chairman of the National Peace Council, Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, expressed optimism about the event.
“We believe all the parties will attend. Copies of the pact have been shared with them for review, and so far, we have not received any negative feedback,” he said. He added that logistical arrangements for the ceremony were in place, highlighting the Council’s dedication to fostering collaboration among stakeholders for a peaceful election.
However, some uncertainty surrounds the participation of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). The party’s Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has indicated that their involvement depends on the inclusion of key state officials, including the President, the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief Justice, the National Security Coordinator, and the Attorney-General, in the signing process.
As of now, it remains unclear whether the NDC will attend the ceremony. The absence of the party would present challenges to the unified commitment the Peace Pact seeks to achieve. Nevertheless, other political parties, including the New Patriotic Party (NPP), have confirmed their participation.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Peace Council to mitigate electoral tensions and encourage non-violent resolutions to disputes. Stakeholders have been urged to support the process to maintain Ghana's reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa.
In recent months, the Peace Council has intensified its efforts to engage political leaders, civil society organizations, and the public in conversations about the importance of a peaceful electoral process. The Council also plans to monitor compliance with the terms of the Peace Pact and hold parties accountable for any breaches.
The signing ceremony comes at a critical time when Ghanaians are eager for assurances that the upcoming elections will not only be free and fair but also devoid of violence. As political campaigns reach their peak, initiatives like the Peace Pact offer hope for a unified approach to maintaining stability in the country. This report was originally published by MyJoyOnline.
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