Peace Pact signing cannot guarantee free and fair elections

Security analyst Richard Kumador has expressed skepticism about the impact of the peace pact signed by presidential candidates ahead of Ghana’s 2024 elections.

Speaking on ABC IN THE MORNING on Friday, November 29, Kumador argued that the signing of the pact does not guarantee that the elections will be free, fair, or peaceful.

He described the peace pact as a “fraudulent attempt” to shield individuals from being held accountable for their electoral responsibilities.

Kumador’s remarks come after the presidential candidates, including Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), met in Accra on Thursday to sign the peace pact.

The event was held at the Kempinski Hotel, under the auspices of the National Peace Council and the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG), with notable figures such as the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, and Chief Imam, Sheik Nuhu Sharabutu in attendance.

The peace pact, now in its fourth iteration, aims to foster a commitment to peace among the presidential candidates and their supporters during the election period.

Despite this, Kumador raised concerns about its efficacy, emphasizing that it does not address the underlying issues that could undermine the electoral process.

The signing ceremony was attended by key figures, including the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, and former ECOWAS President Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas.