A Media Monitoring Officer at Danquah Institute (DI), Derrick Ofori, has urged the Electoral Commission (EC), political parties, security agencies and the electorate to prioritize peace and unity as Ghana approaches the crucial presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December 7.
In an interview with the Daily Statesman, Mr Ofori emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring that the upcoming elections do not lead to violence or unrest.
He indicated that the integrity of the electoral process was paramount for the nation’s stability, stating, “Our authorities must do everything possible to prevent violence during the elections. We cannot afford an individual shedding his or her blood because of elections.”
Advocacy
Mr. Ofori, who is also the Programmes Manager of the Briphildon Foundation, an NGO dedicated to supporting the underprivileged in society, stressed the role of civil society and community engagement in fostering a peaceful electoral environment.
“By working together, we can ensure Ghana emerges from the polls stronger and more united,” he said, urging all stakeholders to engage in dialogue and promote peaceful campaigning.
He urged electorate to shun any activity by any person or group that could have the potential to derail the peace of the country. “In our homes, workplaces, schools, in vehicles, let our conduct and words promote and protect the peace and stability of our motherland,” he said. He admonished that in all circumstances Ghanaians should use non-violent responses to address their grievances.
“Let’s encourage positive virtues such as tolerance, love for neighbour, and transparency and accountability. This will go a long way to remove mistrust and stereotypes that usually divide us,” he stated.
Turmoil
He lamented that election, which is accepted in democracy as the mechanism for choosing leaders for states, had become a ground for conflicts and violent destruction of lives and property.
Mr. Ofori said in some countries within the sub-region, elections had led to crimes against humanity, genocides and ethnic cleansing.
He, therefore, encouraged political parties to focus on issue-based campaign, rather than divisive rhetoric that could incite violence, and create further polarization among the electorate.