The presidential candidates of the two main political parties have signed a peace pact today, on Friday, December 4, 2020, before the general elections.
President Nana Akufo-Addo and John Mahama signed the document at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra.
The peace pact was signed at the 3rd High-Level Meeting of the Presidential Elections Peace Pact organized by His Eminence Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, National Chief Imam, and the National Peace Council (NPC) in collaboration with the National House of Chiefs (NHC).
The event was facilitated by the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEC) and under the theme: “Eradicating Electoral Violence in Ghana’s Democracy: The Role of Political Leadership”.
In his speech, former President John Dramani Mahama opined that “elections are about counting heads and not cutting heads.”
Mr Mahama cautioned voters to be law-abiding and refrain from acts of violence.
He recounted the incident of the 2019 Ayawaso West Wuohon bye-elections.
“Let us strive to prevent the violence of the past, particularly as witnessed in early 2019 during the Ayawaso West Wuogon bye-elections, which till date has gone unpunished.”
Although he expressed disappointment in how the incident was handled, Mr. Mahama expressed optimism that the polls would be peaceful.
He said “we are optimistic. In the face of similar doubts in the past, Ghanaians have risen to the occasion and delivered peaceful elections.
“It is my prayer that despite our deepest fears we shall be proved wrong and Ghana will once again be proven to be the beacon of democracy in Africa,” he noted.
“Our country stands at a critical juncture of history. Never have the lives of so many depended on the power of a thumb. Now more than ever, we need the institutions of our democracy to work impartially to deliver an outcome that is fair, transparent, and in the National Interest.
The Electoral Commission, the Judiciary, the Security Services, and the media hold the future of our nation in their hands.” He added.
Taking his turn, President Akufo-Addo said he is optimistic he is winning the polls while assuring that his supporters will conduct themselves peacefully.
“We, in the NPP, want a credible election, conducted in a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. We are certain we have a track record that will make Ghanaians vote to renew our mandate. Just as it was in 2016, we want this victory to be sweet and incontestable,” Akufo-Addo said at the National Peace Council sponsored event.
He added: “I have said that we believe in elections, and I am happy to give my word that we shall accept the verdict of the people of Ghana. Above all, I pledge that the peace, unity, and safety of Ghana will be our primary consideration.”
He asked the security agencies to discharge their duties in a professional manner.
He said the NPP is committed to a peaceful election.
”We, in the NPP, want a credible election, conducted in a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. We are certain we have a track record that will make Ghanaians vote to renew our mandate. Just as it was in 2016, we want this victory to be sweet and incontestable.
I have said that we believe in elections, and I am happy to give my word that we shall accept the verdict of the people of Ghana. Above all, I pledge that the peace, unity, and safety of Ghana will be our primary consideration.”
National Peace Council
Chairperson for the National Peace Council Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi believes the agreements reached by the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Presidential Candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo, and the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) John Mahama will promote tranquility during and after the polls if it is factored into the party’s modalities to implement same.
“Resorting to violence is ill-disposed and must be avoided. It is my hope that the signing of this pact will not just be another public show and that all the parties in this national accord will genuinely play their roles in ensuring peace during and after the 2020 general elections,” he said.
Chairperson of the EC, Mrs. Jean Mensa assured Ghanaians of credible, free, fair, and transparent polls.
He said the efficiency of their devices will enhance the polls.
In attendance, was H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E John Dramani Mahama, Former President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former president of Liberia and former Chair of ECOWAS, H.E. Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, Former President of Tanzania, H.E. Kgalema Motlanthe, H. E. Dr. Mohammed ibn Chambas, special representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, and Head of UNOWAS, Former President of South Africa, Members of the Council of State, Members of Parliament, Ministers of State, the Inspector General of Police, Members of the National Peace Council, Chiefs, Ministers of State, representatives of the political parties, members of the Diplomatic Corps and civil society organizations among other dignitaries.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com
