Ahead of Ghana’s December 7 general elections, presidential candidates and their respective political parties have signed a peace accord aimed at fostering a tranquil electoral process.
The event, held in Accra on Thursday, November 28, brought together major stakeholders in the country’s democratic journey, including the Electoral Commission (EC), political leaders, and civil society groups.
Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the EC, assured Ghanaians of the Commission’s readiness to deliver free, fair, and credible elections. She called on all political parties to respect the outcomes of the polls, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful environment to safeguard Ghana’s democratic stability.
“The Electoral Commission has implemented robust measures to ensure a peaceful and transparent process. We urge all stakeholders to prioritize peace and build confidence in the system,” she stated during the ceremony, which marked the 4th Presidential Election Peace Pact.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), called on political parties, the media, and security agencies to uphold Ghana’s reputation for peaceful elections. He highlighted the need for all actors to play their part in maintaining calm, stating, “Ghana has consistently demonstrated its democratic maturity, and we must preserve this legacy.”
On his part, John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, expressed concerns about the lack of punitive measures against individuals who incite violence. He cautioned that peace pacts without actionable enforcement risk becoming symbolic rather than impactful.
“Peace agreements must be accompanied by swift and decisive actions against perpetrators of violence. Without this, the confidence we place in such pacts is undermined,” Mahama remarked.
The peace accord is seen as a critical step in ensuring that Ghana, known for its peaceful elections, continues to uphold its democratic credentials even amidst intense political competition.
