By Ewoenam Kpodo
Aflao (V/R), Nov 27, GNA – Ketu South election stakeholders have pledged to maintain the peace, a commitment that aligns with the broader efforts of the National Peace Council (NPC) to promote violent-free polls across Ghana.
The Electoral Commission (EC), political parties, security agencies, Assembly members, persons with disability, youth groups, transport operators and religious groups in the constituency reaffirmed their dedication to transparency, fairness, and peaceful conduct of the upcoming December polls.
This was at a consultative dialogue organised by the NPC, funded by the United Nations Development Programme, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Mr Kofi Sakyi Boampong, the Municipal EC Officer, speaking on the role of the election official on the election day, assured participants of his outfit’s readiness for the conduct of a peaceful poll; first the special voting on December 2 and the general one on December 7.
He ran the participants through the electoral process from the registration, challenged cases, and the exhibition of the register.
Mr Boampong spoke about the ongoing training of all presiding officers, verification officers, name reference list officers and ballot issuers, assuring that would eliminate or reduce errors for a free, transparent and fair conduct of the polls.
He advised registered voters, especially those who could not visit the centres to verify their details during the exhibition exercise, to report to the polling centres early to enable the EC officials to deal with any issue should they encounter one to avoid getting disenfranchised.
Superintendent George Kwakye, the Aflao District Police Commander, who represented C/Supt Samuel Odame, Ketu Divisional Police Commander, said tempers should not rise because of the upcoming elections, noting that Ghana had held many peaceful elections and this year’s would not be different.
He gave the assurance that the police and other security agencies would provide enough security on the day and called on the public to report suspicious persons and activities to election officers and/or the security agents for necessary action.
“Security is a shared responsibility. So, help the police to maintain peace on the day,” he said.
Mama Hodzige II, the Ketu South Municipal Director, the National Commission for Civic Education, encouraged all eligible voters to exercise their civic right to vote, not based on monetary influence but on issues.
“Respect the electoral process, check for EC’s validation stamp on the ballot and don’t be intimidated to vote in a certain way, especially first time voters. Together, we can build Ghana and Ghana needs us alive after the elections,” she noted.
Dr Ken Ahorsu of the University of Ghana, Legon, who facilitated a presentation on election related conflicts and its management, said key institutions like the EC, security agencies, the courts and the media had crucial roles to play before, during and after the elections to keep the peace.
He said the onus lay on every Ghanaian to maintain the country’s impressive track record of successful elections to solidify its democratic reputation in sub-Saharan Africa.
Rev Seth Mawutor, Chairman, Volta Region NPC, called on all to value the country’s peace saying; “Peace is an essential commodity but it’s not common, so we have to work for it.”
Participants expressed commitment to maintaining a tranquil atmosphere during the elections by denouncing violence and promoting peace to safeguard the democratic process and protect the rights of citizens.
Dr David Esinu Normanyo, the Executive Secretary, Volta Region NPC, in an interview with Ghana News Agency, said various factors, including the high number of challenged cases during the registration exercise, made Ketu South a hotspot, necessitating this engagement with the political parties and relevant institutions to sign the peace pact.
Madam Rejoice M. Lumor, the New Patriotic Party Constituency Women’s Organiser, said all must endeavour to eschew violence in this year’s elections and give peace a chance.
“Ghana will be the ultimate winner,” she said.
GNA
