IGP, Dr George Akuffo-Dampare
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has rejected attempts by individuals and groups to incite violence and unrest in Ghana ahead of the 2024 general election.
Reacting to a publication by pro-NDC tabloid, The Herald, that the regional bloc had predicted violence in Ghana’s 2024 polls, ECOWAS categorically denied the report by the opposition newspaper.
The Commission described the report as “dishonest” and “misleading” and condemned the actions of war mongers who seek to destabilise the peace and stability of Ghana, a country renowned for its democratic maturity and tolerance.
In a statement, ECOWAS clarified that its pre-electoral missions do not issue public statements on their findings, and reports are confidential and meant only for the President of the Commission.
“To educate The Herald, ECOWAS pre-electoral Missions do not issue statements on their findings.
Besides, reports of such missions are confidential and meant only for the eyes of the President of the Commission to aid his engagements with the authorities in Member States,” ECOWAS indicated.
According to the Commission, the preliminary report from the recent Fact-Finding Mission to Ghana is still undergoing quality control.
“At no time before, during and after the Fact-Finding Mission has ECOWAS ‘predicted violence’ in the electoral process.
“The Commission, therefore, finds it preposterous that The Herald newspaper would disingenuously repeat the standard operating procedures of ECOWAS fact-finding missions, twist issues that are in the public domain in Ghana and try to push its partisan conclusions into the mouth of ECOWAS,” the statement noted.
The Commission expressed its trust in Ghana’s democratic institutions and reiterated its commitment to supporting the country in delivering transparent, inclusive, and peaceful elections in December 2024.
“The ECOWAS Commission rightly holds Ghana in high esteem as a model of maturing democracy and tolerance on the continent and often cites the country for emulation in the region,” it pointed out.
ECOWAS emphasised that it has never predicted violence in Ghana’s electoral process and condemned attempts by sections of the media to misuse its name to sow discord among Ghanaians.
“The Commission, therefore, condemns any attempts by sections of the media to misuse the name of ECOWAS in their vain attempts to sow discord among the over 32-million peace-loving people of Ghana through manipulation, partisan positions and veiled incitement to intolerance and violence,” it stressed.
“Ghana deserves better. The ECOWAS Commission reiterates its trust in the resilience of democratic institutions in Ghana.It will continue to accompany the Government and people of Ghana to once again deliver transparent, inclusive and peaceful elections in December 2024,” it reiterated.
Reaction
Meanwhile, the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has expressed her confidence that Ghana will have peaceful elections despite predictions of chaos by some individuals.
Commenting on the statement issued by ECOWAS, Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful dismissed the “naysayers and prophets of doom” who she said will be disgraced when Ghana successfully holds peaceful elections. She emphasised that truth will always prevail over propaganda.
The minister also expressed her support for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, saying, “Bawumia ‘b3ba’!!!”, a phrase that translates to “Bawumia will come.”
Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful concluded by saying, “It Is Possible Together,” suggesting that unity and collective effort will lead to a successful and peaceful electoral process.
Police Debunk Bawku Militia Training
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has dismissed allegations of militia training at Bawku in the Upper East Region, calling the claims “false” and “unpatriotic.”
In a statement, the police said their investigation found no evidence of such training in the area or its surroundings.
This is the second time in a week that similar allegations have been made, which the police believe are intended to create “unnecessary alarm and panic” among the public.
The police assured the public that they are working to identify and bring to justice those responsible for spreading the false information.
The public has been urged to remain calm and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
By Ernest Kofi Adu