Apostle Eric Nyamekye (3rd from left), Chairman, Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches; former President John Dramani Mahama (2nd from right), NDC presidential candidate; Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh (2nd from left), Running Mate, NPP; Titus Glover (left), Greater Accra Regional Minister, and Nana Ohene Ntow (right), Senior Advisor to Alan Kyerematen, presidential candidate, Movement for Change, at the 2024 Peace Campaign launched in Accra. Picture: SAMUEL TEI ADANO
At a Peace Campaign launch in Accra on Sunday, various religious groups, political parties, and the Electoral Commission pledged their commitment to ensuring a peaceful general election on December 7.
They expressed their resolve to support peace initiatives before, during, and after the elections.
The event, themed “Let Peace Prevail,” was organised by the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) in collaboration with the Christian Council of Ghana, the National Association of Charismatic Christian Churches, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, and the Office of the National Chief Imam.
Representatives from diverse groups donned the national colours of red, gold, and green, waving miniature Ghana flags and enjoying performances by artistes like Rev. Joe Beecham and Rev. Alexander Bruce-Ghartey, also known as Uncle Ato.
Prominent attendees included former President and National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Mahama, as well as the running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh.
Other notable attendees were All People’s Congress presidential candidate Hassan Ayariga; Nana Ohene Ntow representing the Movement for Change; EC Deputy Chairman of Operations Samuel Tettey; representatives from the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief Justice’s office, Commissioner of Police A. Awuni, Lady Justice Sheila Minta, and several traditional leaders.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, President Akufo-Addo urged citizens to avoid provocative language during campaigns.
“We must respect the electorate and not assume that one political party has already won the election while a single ballot has not yet been cast,” he said.
He also called on clergy members to curb prophecies predicting election winners before votes are cast. “Politics should be devoid of insults and hate speech; it should be a solemn expression of hope and what one can do to bring about development,” he added.
NDC presidential candidate, Mr Mahama also appealed to faith-based organisations to safeguard Ghana’s democracy and preserve peace.
“Peace is a precious gift from God, and yet it is also very fragile and needs to be nurtured, protected, and actively sustained,” he said, adding that Ghanaians must work together to maintain it, especially during elections.
The NPP running mate conveyed Dr Bawumia’s commitment to peace, noting that the NPP was prepared to not only speak about peace but also sign a peace accord, emphasising the need for religious tolerance to maintain national stability after the elections.
Representing Movement for Change candidate Alan Kyerematen, Nana Ntow affirmed their dedication to national peace.
“Responsibility for peace rests on all of us. However, certain societal institutions, entities, and individuals clearly bear a greater burden because of their position in the nation,” he noted.
The APC flagbearer, Hassan Ayariga highlighted the importance of resolving the ongoing conflict in Bawku, urging that it be seen as a national issue.
“The government must intensify efforts; the earlier we solve the Bawku problem, the better for all of us,” he said.
On his part, the GPCC President, Apostle Eric Nyamekye stressed the importance of peace to every citizen, especially those in positions of leadership.
“Achieving a peaceful election will require sacrifices, compromises, and concessions. It will demand intentional efforts and thoughtful action by all meaningful stakeholders of the land,” he remarked.
Spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Arimiyawo Shaibu, encouraged citizens to prioritise the nation over political interests and urged political actors to refrain from making inflammatory remarks that could incite violence.
He warned, “Our young people, this nation is for you. It belongs to your future. Be careful how you can be deployed or used as tools for violence by political opponents.”
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