CSOs, faith-based organisations call for peaceful polls

Civil society and faith-based organisations have been called upon to work towards strengthening democratic governance and the sustenance of peace in the country, especially during the December 7 general election.

They said improving the governance system was key to strengthening democracy and the accelerated development of the nation.

The organisations included the Institute of Democratic Governance, the National Peace Council, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) and the Office of the National Chief Imam.

They made the call at the Graphic National Development Series (GNDS) held at the British Council in Accra yesterday, on the theme: “Sustaining civic & democratic governance system for development, mandate of all of all citizens.”

The GNDS is a platform offered by the nation’s foremost media organisation, Graphic Communications Group Ltd (GCGL), to discuss issues of national interest and also propose solutions for accelerated development. 

Commitment

A member of the NPC, Numo Blafo, said the council was doing a lot to maintain the peace in the country before, during and after the elections.

In line with that, he said, the council had mapped out what it considered hotspots in the country where it was carrying out sensitisation programmes.

For instance, in the Odododiodioo Constituency in Accra, the parties had been made to sign a peace pact.

“We believe that with what we are doing, we will not experience what happened in previous elections,” Numo Blafo said.

The Spokesperson of the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Armyiyawo Shaibu, said the electorate needed to understand that elections were not about war, but political contests.

He added that elections were about change or continuation, and that should there be a change, peace must be guaranteed.

“Our peace, your peace, my peace, the peace of our nation-state must remain untouched after every election.

“May Ghana and citizens be so rich in peace that we are there to support peace as a commodity. Let's work it together,” the spokesperson said. 

Collaboration

In a message read on his behalf, the President of the GCBC, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, admonished political leaders to prioritise the most vulnerable and marginalised in society and not engage in violent activities, adding “we must work together to address the challenges of poverty, inequality and injustice”.

As a people of faith, he said sustaining civic and democratic governance systems was not only a civic duty but also morally imperative.

“We must work together to build a more just, equitable and peaceful society where every citizen can thrive and reach their full potential. No one must be left behind,” the president said.

Most Rev.Gyamfi, however, said sustaining civic and democratic governance required the collective effort of all stakeholders.

The Executive Director of IDEG, Dr Emmanuel Akwetey, highlighted the role CSOs played in ensuring good governance.

He, therefore, said it was necessary to enhance the capacity of CSOs and include them in the policy-making process of the government.