By Paul Eduarko Richardson
Accra, Dec. 06, GNA – The National Peace Council (NPC) has asked the populace to uphold the country’s reputation for peace and stability as they prepare to vote in tomorrow’s presidential and parliamentary elections.
In a video address released on the eve of the polls, the NPC emphasised that maintaining peace during and after the election was a collective responsibility involving voters, political parties, the Electoral Commission, the National Election Security Task Force, and all other stakeholders.
The Council cautioned that Ghana’s legacy as a beacon of democracy in Africa should not be taken for granted, stressing that it was a shared achievement that required vigilance, tolerance, and active efforts to prevent conflict.
Janet Sarney-Kuma, Director of Capacity Development and Outreach, (NPC), highlighting concerns about political polarisation, said, “The things that worry us a lot, considering this election year, is the polarisation between political parties.
“I mean, if I’m from party A, and another is from party B, we seem to not agree with anything the person says. And sometimes we are not very tolerant amongst ourselves.”
The NPC also warned against the actions of political actors exploiting communal and ethnic tensions.
Mr Alexander Koomson, Deputy Director of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, (NPC) described such individuals as “conflict entrepreneurs” who manipulated divisions for political gain.
Fouzia Issifu, Assistant Programme Manager, Upper East Regional Peace Council, made a special appeal to the youth, urging them to reject violence and remain peaceful.
“Come out, vote, and go back. Do not allow any politician to involve you in any violent act relating to elections,” she said.
“Please, let’s vote peacefully and get back to our homes. Then we can have the peaceful Ghana that we all seek or yearn for. One people, one Ghana, peace and love.”
The NPC is Ghana’s independent statutory institution charged with preventing, managing and resolving conflict and building sustainable peace.
Through initiatives like the 4th Presidential Elections Peace Pact and continuous engagement with stakeholders, the Council plays a vital role in safeguarding the nation’s democratic integrity.
GNA
