Launch of peace campaign: Stakeholders pledge commitment to peaceful polls

Various religious groups, political parties and the Electoral Commission have pledged their commitment to ensure a peaceful general election in the country on December 7, this year.

At a Peace Campaign launched in Accra last Sunday, they expressed their determination to contribute towards peace before, during and after the elections.

In a show of unity and solidarity, representatives of the diverse groups, some of whom were clad in the national colours of red, gold and green, and waving miniature Ghana flags, danced to musical performances from renowned artists such as Rev. Joe Beecham and Rev. Alexander Bruce-Ghartey, aka Uncle Ato.

The event was organised by the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), in collaboration with the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG), the National Association of Charismatic Christian Churches (NACCC), the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference and the Office of the National Chief Imam, on the theme: “Let peace prevail.”

Attendance

In attendance were former President and flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, and the running mate of the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh.

Others were the presidential candidate of All People’s Congress, Hassan Ayariga; a representative of the Movement for Change, Nana Ohene Ntow; the EC Deputy Chairman, Operations, Samuel Tettey; representatives of the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief Justice Commissioner of Police, A. Awuni; and Lady Justice Sheila Minta, respectively, and some traditional leaders, among others.

Admonishment

In a speech read on behalf of the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, by the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, the President admonished the people to avoid the use of provocative and abusive language during campaigns.

“We must respect the electorate and not assume that one political party has already won the election while a single ballot has not yet been cast.

“I call on all revered members of the clergy to also put a check on those of their members who are going round prophesying winners of an election that is yet to be conducted.

“Politics should be devoid of insults and hate speech, it should be a solemn expression of hope and what one can do to bring about development,” he said.

The NDC presidential candidate, Mr Mahama, also called on the Church and faith-based organisations to protect the nation’s democracy and ensure Ghana remained a beacon of peace and stability.

“Peace is a precious gift from God, and yet it is also very fragile and needs to be nurtured, protected and actively sustained.

“But as God’s children, we must work continuously to preserve it, especially in periods such as the upcoming elections,” he said.

For his part, Dr Prempeh conveyed Dr Mahamadu Bawumia’s unwavering commitment to the peace of the country, adding that his party was ready and willing not only to speak about peace, but sign a peace accord.

He also called for religious tolerance in the country to ensure the nation stays stable after the general election.

On behalf of the presidential candidate of the Movement for Change, Mr Alan Kyerematen, Nana Ntow said the movement was also committed to the peace of the nation before, during and after the December 7 polls.

“Responsibility for peace rests on all of us. However, certain societal institutions, entities and individuals clearly bear greater burden because of the position they occupy in the nation,” he said.

Mr Ayariga, for his part, stressed the need to pay urgent attention to the ongoing conflict in Bawku, emphasising that the conflict should not be seen as a problem only for the people of Bawku but rather, the entire country.

“The government must intensify efforts; the earlier we solve the Bawku problem, the better for all of us,” he said.

Other messages

The President of GPCC, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, said the need for peace should be of concern to every citizen, particularly those who seek to rule the land, as well as the institutions vested with the authority to steer the affairs of the nation.

“Achieving a peaceful election will require sacrifices, compromises and concessions. It will demand intentional efforts and thoughtful action by all meaningful stakeholders of the land.

“This is why we have called this meeting to heartily speak to one another, connect with the essence of our nation, and most importantly, pray for the peace of the land,” he said.

The Spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Arimiyawo Shaibu, entreated the people to rise above their political interests and put the nation first.

He appealed to political actors not to make inflammatory statements that could ignite or stoke the embers of violence.

“Our young people, this nation is for you. It belongs to your future. Be careful how you can be deployed or used as tools for violence by political opponents,” Sheikh Shaibu added.