Ghanaian President, key figures pledge peace ahead of elections
Supporters stand beside campaign billboards of President and candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo, during the final day of campaigning at James Town in Accra, Ghana, on December 5, 2020.
Accra,
Less than 24 hours to Ghana’s presidential and parliamentary elections, peace and good conduct have dominated the political landscape.
Following the peace agreement signed by the major contending political parties, - New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC) - civil society organisations (CSOs) and the youth have been preaching peace and orderliness.
Former President John Dramani Mahama of NPP declared Sunday, “I am John Dramani Mahama and I stand for peace.’’
He added, “Let there be peace in Ghana, before, during and after the elections. Elections are about counting heads, not cutting heads, and so we will work towards peace.’’
Incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo also committed to peace, urging his supporters to see elections as sports and agreeing to concede defeat without rancour.
President Akufo-Addo said: “The peace, unity and safety of Ghanaians shall be our priority.”
President and candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo, addresses supporters during the final day of campaigning at James Town in Accra, on December 5, 2020.
Peace agreement
Mr Akufo-Addo and Mr Mahama on December 4 signed a peace pact on behalf of their political parties, pledging to stand for and ensure peace before, during and after the vote set for December 7.
The candidates agreed to a six-point resolution read by Justice Kwesi Anin Yeboah, the Chief Justice of Ghana,
The ceremony was witnessed by Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, National Chief Imam; Rev. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, chair of the National Peace Council; and Ogyeahohuo Yaw Gyebi II, President of the National House of Chiefs and Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Governance.
Some of the senior figures at the ceremony were Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa; Ms Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former Liberian President and Head of the Ecowas Observer Team; Ms Diana Acconcia, Head of the European Union Delegation to Ghana; and Ms Jean Mensa, Head of the Electoral Commission of Ghana.
A supporter wears a custom made face mask in party colours and in the name of president and candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Nana Akufo-Addo, during the final day of campaigning at James Town in Accra, on December 5, 2020.
Musician’s message
In a message to the youth on Saturday, Ghanaian ‘Dancehall King’ Shatta Wale advised against violence in the elections season.
He told them to peacefully choose the political parties to vote for and not fight for any of them.
"I will continue to say that Ghana will be the biggest winner after the elections on Monday. As citizens, we are very discerning and know what the peace we are currently enjoying means to us,” the musician said.
"If any politicians come to you and tell you to fight in this election, ask them of the whereabouts of their children and family members."
Mr Akwasi Frimpong, a major political figure, also wished the country a peaceful election, noting that Ghana has no history of election violence and
“God bless our homeland, Ghana, and make our nation great and strong.’’
Supporters lead a sculptural elephant, symbol of the ruling New Partriotic Party (NPP) during the final day of campaigning at James Town in Accra, on December 5, 2020.
Other challenges
The Upper East Regional branch of the Coalition of CSOs in Governance and Security called on the Electoral Commission, political parties, the media, the government and other stakeholders to rededicate themselves to ensuring peace.
It observed that the region is saddled with many challenges including diseases, conflict, unfavourable climate conditions and poverty, hence the need to channel energies into solutions, not election disputes.
Mr Philip Ayamba, the coalition’s coordination, further appealed to all presidential and parliamentary candidates to focus on national issues during campaigns, not attacks on individuals.
Ms Emelia Ankomah, NDC’s parliamentary candidate in the Upper Denkyira East Constituency of the central region, advised the electorate against financial inducements into violence.
Ms Ankomah further called on the youth to shun politicians out to ferment trouble.
She said Ghana has enjoyed violence-free elections under the fourth republic so it should ensure the poll, just like the previous ones, is successful and peaceful.
