2024 Elections: Leaders sign peace pact ahead of polls

Ghana’s political leaders gathered at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra on Thursday, November 28, 2024, to sign the fourth peace pact ahead of the country’s presidential and parliamentary elections.

Organised by the Peace Council in collaboration with the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG), the ceremony underscored the commitment of key stakeholders to ensure peaceful elections in December.

In his address, Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, expressed optimism about the country’s ability to uphold its democratic principles.

“We will come out of this election stronger as a nation. We are hopeful all sides will take positive steps to preserve the unity, peace, and stability of this country. We owe our people, particularly the teeming youth, that duty of care.

Only this way can we guarantee better and enduring opportunities for future generations,” he stated.

Dr. Bawumia also emphasised Ghana’s international reputation as a beacon of democracy, urging all stakeholders to honour the commitments made under the peace pact. “The eyes of the world are on Ghana. The world is watching, hoping Ghana will rise again to the occasion, stand tall, and shine bright as the star of Africa. I am full of hope that we, as leaders and followers, will live up to the peace pact we are signing today,” he added.

John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), acknowledged the significance of the peace pact but cautioned that it must be accompanied by actionable measures.

The NDC leader expressed concern over lingering mistrust in the electoral process, attributing it to a perceived gap between rhetoric and action.

“There is reason to be concerned that the signing of this pact, though well-intentioned, could amount to nothing if not followed by concrete actions to guarantee peace by the stakeholders and government,” Mahama noted.

“It is all well and good for us to commit to peace and recite beautiful platitudes. However, all efforts to build peace before, during, and after the 2024 elections would be futile if mistrust and insincerity persist. Mistrust arises when there is a disconnect between words and actions, compounded by gaslighting from those in authority,” he said.

Mahama cited past electoral violence incidents, including masked men shooting innocent Ghanaians during previous by-elections, with some victims still incapacitated.

Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, highlighted the commission’s efforts to ensure peaceful electoral outcomes through its conduct and adherence to fairness. 

She contended that the commission has consistently prioritised peace in their electoral processes, ensuring peaceful outcomes before, during, and after elections, demonstrating their commitment to promoting peace.

The signing ceremony brought together a host of dignitaries, including Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Torkornoo, Ghanaian diplomat Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, and Inspector General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.

All presidential candidates were present, except independent candidates Alan Kyerematen and Nana Kwame Bediako, who did not attend.