Presidential Candidates Set to Sign Peace Accord on Thursday

In preparation for Ghana’s December 7, 2024, general elections, presidential candidates from across the political spectrum will come together on Thursday to sign a peace pact, publicly committing to a peaceful electoral process. The signing event, organized by the National Peace Council (NPC), is aimed at promoting peace and ensuring the smooth conduct of the elections, which are set to be a significant event in the country’s political calendar.

This peace pact, which has become a standard part of Ghana’s election process, will mark its fourth signing since the 2012 general elections. The primary objective of the pact is to encourage political parties, their leaders, and supporters to maintain peaceful behavior before, during, and after the elections. By signing the pact, the candidates are pledging to respect the democratic process, accept the election results, and peacefully resolve any disputes that may arise.

The signing of the Presidential Peace Pact is an important symbolic gesture that sends a strong message to the public and political stakeholders. It serves as an affirmation of the commitment to non-violence and national unity. The public commitment made by political leaders is intended to help reduce tensions, build trust, and inspire confidence in the election process. It also acts as a signal to the electorate, reassuring them that their voices will be heard and respected regardless of the outcome. The pact helps to promote a sense of responsibility among political actors, which is critical in preventing election-related violence and fostering political stability.

The Peace Pact signing is a highly anticipated event, and this year, the NPC is working tirelessly to ensure that it achieves the broadest possible commitment to peace from all political parties. During a recent meeting with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Resident Representative in Ghana, Mohammed Lawan Gana, and the ECOWAS Observer Mission’s advanced team, George Amoh, the Executive Secretary of the NPC, reaffirmed the Peace Council’s commitment to engaging all stakeholders in the peace process. Amoh confirmed that both Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the presidential candidate for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), and John Dramani Mahama, the candidate for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), had expressed their readiness to sign the pact.

This commitment from both major political candidates is seen as a positive sign for a peaceful election. However, the NDC has outlined several conditions that they would like addressed before they sign the agreement. The party has called for the full implementation of the Ayawaso West Wuogon Commission’s recommendations, which aim to address past electoral violence and ensure justice for those affected. The NDC has also demanded the prosecution of individuals involved in violent incidents during the 2020 general elections, including those responsible for the illegal printing of ballot papers, which undermined the integrity of the electoral process. These actions, according to the NDC, are necessary to ensure fairness and justice in the upcoming election.

Additionally, the NDC has called for the transparent and public resolution of the missing biometric devices at the Electoral Commission’s office. They also want a public declaration from President Akufo-Addo, committing to accept the will of the people in the 2024 elections, and have requested that key figures, including the President, the Chief Justice, the Attorney General, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), sign the peace pact as a demonstration of their commitment to a fair and peaceful election process.

These conditions reflect the NDC’s concerns about the electoral system and the need for reforms to ensure the integrity of the process. They have emphasized that the pact must be meaningful and responsive to the challenges facing the electoral process. Despite these conditions, the NDC has expressed its willingness to sign the peace pact once their demands are addressed.

In response to these conditions, the NPC is working closely with the parties involved to address these concerns and ensure that the peace pact is both effective and inclusive. The Peace Council is also in discussions with the Electoral Commission and other stakeholders to ensure that the election is conducted in a transparent, free, and fair manner.

At the same time, the ECOWAS Resident Representative, Mr. Gana, has appealed to all Ghanaians to work together to ensure a peaceful election. He urged voters to embrace the values of democracy and ensure that the election is free from violence, intimidation, or interference. Mr. Gana’s appeal highlights the importance of collective responsibility in upholding Ghana’s democratic values.

In conclusion, the signing of the Presidential Peace Pact is a critical moment in the lead-up to Ghana’s 2024 elections. The pact is an essential tool for promoting peace and stability during the electoral process. With both major candidates committed to signing the pact, and ongoing efforts to address concerns raised by the NDC, there is hope that the election will be conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner. By prioritizing peace, Ghana can maintain its reputation as a beacon of democracy in the West African region, ensuring that the voice of the people is heard and respected. The commitment to peace made by the political leaders will be a cornerstone for the success of the upcoming elections and the continued growth of Ghana’s democracy.