Former President John Mahama has strongly urged an end to what he terms the “militarization of our elections,” criticizing the deployment of armed security forces to polling and coalition centers. He warned that this practice fuels instability and called for its cessation to preserve the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process.
Mahama shared these remarks while reaffirming his commitment to peace at the 2024 Peace Campaign, an event organized by the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, the Christian Council, and the Office of the National Chief Imam, held at the State House in Accra ahead of the December elections.
Highlighting the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s commitment to peaceful elections, Mahama announced that his party would formally propose to the National Peace Council to broaden the Peace Pact signatories to include all key election stakeholders. This expansion, he explained, would ensure that a wider array of institutions are bound to contribute effectively to a peaceful electoral process.
“It is our hope that this will make the peace pact a truly binding commitment, not just a ceremonial document,” Mahama emphasized.
Addressing the role of institutions in safeguarding fairness, Mahama urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to remain impartial and called on the Judiciary to uphold neutrality in resolving any election disputes, asserting that justice is essential for lasting peace.
“There is wisdom in the saying, ‘A stitch in time saves nine.’ Many global conflicts began when injustices were ignored until people felt compelled to act. While I am committed to peace, I urge everyone to be vigilant and stand for justice,” he stated.
Mahama reassured the audience that both he and the NDC are dedicated to fostering peace, pledging a peaceful election season before, during, and after the December 7, 2024 polls. “I, John Dramani Mahama, stand here today to reaffirm my commitment and that of the National Democratic Congress to uphold peace throughout the upcoming elections,” he declared.
In response, Samuel Tettey, the Deputy Chairperson of the EC in charge of Operations, affirmed that the EC’s pre-election activities have been transparent and open to all stakeholders. He promised continued transparency and urged political party leaders to exercise caution in their public statements to protect the integrity and peace of the electoral process.