Let’s all take our democratic responsibilities seriously – National Peace Council cautions

Ahead of tomorrow’s highly anticipated 2024 elections in Ghana, the National Peace Council (NPC) has called on all citizens to approach the polls with a renewed sense of democratic responsibility.

In a video address, NPC officials emphasized the critical role every Ghanaian plays in ensuring a peaceful and transparent election, urging voters, political parties, and security agencies to safeguard the nation’s hard-earned reputation for peace.

Highlighting the challenges posed by political and ethnic divisions, Janet Sarney-Kuma, Director of Capacity Development & Outreach, expressed concerns about growing intolerance among opposing parties.

She noted, “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.”

Meanwhile, Alexander Koomson, Deputy Director of Research, Monitoring & Evaluation, warned against the actions of “conflict entrepreneurs” who exploit communal tensions for political gain.

Fouzia Issifu, Assistant Programme Manager at the Upper East Regional Peace Council, issued a special plea to Ghana’s youth, emphasizing their influence on the nation’s future.

“Do not allow any politician to make you radicalised or involve you in violence,” she said, adding, “Let’s vote peacefully and return to our homes so we can have the peaceful Ghana we all yearn for.”