Dr. John Osae-Kwapong, a Fellow at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), has urged political parties and stakeholders in Ghana’s 2024 general elections to go beyond signing peace pacts and take tangible steps to ensure a peaceful and transparent electoral process. While acknowledging the symbolic and strategic importance of these agreements, he emphasized that words alone cannot guarantee tranquility during an election as significant as Ghana’s upcoming polls.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Saturday, November 30, 2024, Dr. Osae-Kwapong elaborated on the limitations of peace pacts. According to him, the agreements serve as a foundation for fostering dialogue and promoting a culture of non-violence but must be accompanied by visible actions from all stakeholders, including political candidates, party supporters, and electoral officials.
“The signing of the peace pact, while it is extremely important, is not the only thing that gives the 100% firm assurance of peace on election day. Beyond the signing of the pact, all the stakeholders have to also exhibit the kinds of behaviours that reflect a commitment to peace,” he said during the discussion.
He went further to stress the importance of managing political temperament on election day. “One of the things, in my view, that we have to be able to manage well is our political temperament on that day,” Dr. Osae-Kwapong noted, adding that the actions of political leaders and their supporters will play a critical role in determining whether the elections will be peaceful or marred by violence.
This discussion comes on the heels of a peace pact signing event on Thursday, November 28, where the flagbearers of various political parties and independent candidates formally committed to maintaining peace before, during, and after the elections scheduled for December 7, 2024. The event was a high-profile gathering, drawing significant attention as the candidates pledged to act responsibly and ensure that their campaigns and actions foster stability and unity in Ghana.
While such symbolic gestures are often viewed as a step in the right direction, Dr. Osae-Kwapong’s comments highlight the need for consistent follow-through. Peace agreements, though impactful in setting the tone, can only succeed when matched with action. Stakeholders must actively discourage provocative rhetoric, inflammatory speeches, and any form of behavior likely to incite unrest or polarization.
Ghana’s electoral history has seen instances where peace pacts have been signed, yet tensions and isolated incidents of violence have occurred during or after elections. This reality underscores the importance of moving beyond symbolic commitments to create an environment where peace is actively practiced and enforced.
Jean Mensa, Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission, echoed this sentiment in a separate statement. She described peace pacts as a vital tool for ensuring stability before and after elections but stressed that their effectiveness depends on the resolve of all parties involved to respect the agreements. “The peace pact is a commitment, but its success is in the actions of the individuals and parties who sign it,” she remarked.
Political parties have also been called upon to educate their supporters about the significance of peaceful elections and the long-term benefits of stability in Ghana’s democratic process. By doing so, they can curb the influence of misinformation, aggressive campaign tactics, and provocative acts that often escalate tensions during election periods.
Moreover, stakeholders, including civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and religious bodies, have been urged to play a more active role in promoting peace. Their neutral stance and ability to bridge divides among various groups make them instrumental in ensuring harmony throughout the electoral season.
The upcoming December 7 polls are expected to be a fiercely contested battle, with high stakes for all political parties involved. As such, the potential for misunderstandings and confrontations is significant, making it imperative for all stakeholders to remain vigilant and committed to fostering unity.
Dr. Osae-Kwapong’s remarks serve as a timely reminder of the importance of peace not just as a concept but as a practice. His call for behavioral changes and practical measures is a wake-up call for Ghana’s political actors to rise above party politics and prioritize the nation’s stability.
Ghana, often touted as a beacon of democracy in Africa, has a reputation to uphold. Its democratic achievements serve as a model for many other nations on the continent, and maintaining peace during the elections will reinforce this status. The efforts to ensure a peaceful electoral process, therefore, go beyond domestic implications, as they reflect Ghana’s standing on the global stage.
As the nation prepares for what promises to be a pivotal election, the onus is on all stakeholders to live up to the promises made in the peace pact. The success of the 2024 elections will hinge not just on the symbolic commitments but on the genuine efforts made by leaders and citizens alike to safeguard Ghana’s democracy and ensure that peace prevails at every stage of the process.
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