Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and John Dramani Mahama signing the peace pact
The presidential candidates in the December 7 elections came together yesterday in Accra to sign a peace pact, pledging to uphold peace before, during and after the polls.
The event, attended by key stakeholders, religious leaders, traditional authorities, and members of the international community, was hailed as a critical step toward fostering unity and stability in the country.
The Presidential Peace Pact was presided over by the Chairman of the National Peace Council, Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, who emphasised the importance of the pact in safeguarding democracy.
Each candidate took turns addressing the nation, reaffirming their commitment to peace and stability of the country.
NPP Candidate
The presidential candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, called on all Ghanaians to prioritise peace and unity as the nation prepares for the highly anticipated December 7, 2024 elections.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa and pledged to uphold the values of the constitution throughout the electoral process.
“Since the dawn of the Fourth Republic in the early 90s, Ghana has been a model democracy and an inspiration to many across the African continent and beyond. This feat is not by chance. It is due to the continuous efforts of our leaders, institutions, and citizens who understand the value of peace as the bedrock of national progress,” Dr. Bawumia stated.
He extended gratitude to the National Peace Council, the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG), and other stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to fostering peace, describing the signing of the 2024 Presidential Peace Pact as “profoundly significant.”
Pointing to the country’s democratic achievements, Dr. Bawumia acknowledged the challenges associated with elections in young democracies, but noted that the country has consistently risen above divisions.
“Every general election in Ghana since 1992 has had its own dynamics, and the stakes are always high. But we have never turned our backs on democracy. Because that is the path we have chosen for ourselves, and it is the right way to go,” he said.
Two Outcomes
With just nine days to the polls, Dr. Bawumia expressed optimism about the election’s outcome, predicting both victory for Ghana’s democratic process and the preservation of peace.
“Ghana will win, and peace will reign. We can prove again that Ghana is a shining example of a resilient democracy,” he declared.
The NPP flagbearer urged presidential candidates, their supporters, the media, security services, and the general public to take collective responsibility for ensuring a peaceful election.
“The eyes of the world are on Ghana. The world is watching, hoping Ghana will rise again to the occasion, stand tall, and shine bright as the star of Africa,” he said.
He emphasised that the pursuit of political power must serve the ultimate goal of improving the lives of citizens. “The only reason we seek power is to use it to deliver prosperity to the people of this country,” Dr. Bawumia remarked.
NDC Candidate
Former President John Dramani Mahama also reaffirmed the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) unwavering commitment to peace, emphasising the party’s dedication to ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process.
He highlighted the critical role of peace as the foundation of Ghana’s democracy, while urging stakeholders to match commitments with genuine actions.
“I have come here today to place on record my personal commitment and that of my party, the National Democratic Congress, to the sustenance of Ghana’s peace,” he stated.
“At the very onset, let me indicate that we in the NDC remain eternally committed to the building of a peaceful and prosperous country in which the aspirations of all our people can be met,” he added.
Commendation
Mr. Mahama commended the National Peace Council, the Electoral Commission, and the security agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace, but also expressed concern about lingering doubts regarding impartiality and sincerity in the electoral process.
He pointed to incidents in past elections, including the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence, and the perceived inaction on recommendations from the Emile Short Committee, as undermining trust in the system.
“How are we to believe that such killings would not reoccur during this election as well?” Mahama questioned, calling for robust measures to prevent electoral violence.
He suggested immediate action, including detaining unidentified armed individuals posing as security operatives during the polls.
Addressing the importance of temperance and respect in political discourse, the NDC flagbearer urged political leaders to focus on issue-based campaigning rather than divisive rhetoric.
“We must compete on ideas and not on insults. Divisive language, hate speech, and inflammatory rhetoric that can excite violence should have no place,” he asserted.
Mr. Mahama also called on the media to avoid sensationalism and speculation, urging balanced and accurate reporting to keep voters informed.
He specifically warned against misleading information about voting schedules, which could disenfranchise citizens.
Despite his concerns, Mr. Mahama expressed hope for a peaceful election process, emphasising the collective responsibility of all Ghanaians to preserve the nation’s stability.
“Let us all pledge to promote peace during these elections. We owe it to ourselves, to our children, and future generations to preserve the peace and stability that our dear country Ghana has enjoyed for so long,” he concluded.
By Ernest Kofi Adu