The National Peace Council (NPC) has expressed significant concerns about actions and statements that may jeopardize the peaceful environment in Ghana ahead of the upcoming 2024 general elections. In a press release dated October 6, the NPC, through its monitoring body, the National Election Response Group (NERG), called on political leaders and the general public to refrain from activities that could incite violence. This includes the defacement of campaign materials and the use of political narratives that exploit religious sentiments. Established in May 2024 as part of the Electoral Violence Monitoring, Analysis, and Mitigation (E-MAM) project funded by the European Union, NERG has been vigilantly monitoring pre-election developments in Ghana. Through this initiative, a diverse coalition of state institutions, civil society organizations, and non-partisan election stakeholders has identified troubling trends that may threaten the peaceful conduct of the elections scheduled for December 2024.
One of NERG’s major concerns has been the increasing vandalism of political party materials, such as posters and billboards, by rival supporters. The group emphasized that such destructive actions could lead to political unrest if not addressed swiftly. NERG highlighted that actions like these disrupt the peace Ghana has enjoyed and can incite retaliatory measures among political groups. The NPC urged political parties to foster a culture of respect among supporters, advocating for them to leave opponents’ campaign materials intact. In addition, they called on the Ghana Police Service to closely monitor these activities and respond quickly to incidents of vandalism, thereby reinforcing the necessity of maintaining order in a politically charged atmosphere.
Furthermore, the NPC and NERG stressed the importance of political decorum in the lead-up to the elections, particularly concerning the public display of political messages. The groups urged political parties to present their campaign materials in a manner that does not provoke unnecessary conflict. By encouraging political parties to mount their campaign materials thoughtfully, they aim to foster a constructive political dialogue devoid of hostility. The call for restraint is particularly pertinent in a climate where emotional reactions can easily escalate tensions among rival factions. The NPC emphasized the responsibility of all political actors in maintaining the peace and civility that is crucial during the electoral process.
In addition to concerns over vandalism, NERG raised alarms about certain political and religious pronouncements that may inflame communal tensions. The group warned against the rhetoric that seeks to draw in religious sentiments, asserting that incendiary comments made by political and religious figures could disrupt the long-standing harmony enjoyed by Ghanaians from diverse religious backgrounds. The NPC and NERG urged the public to remain vigilant against such divisive rhetoric as the elections approach, reminding citizens of the importance of religious tolerance in fostering a peaceful coexistence among different faiths.
The NPC’s statement serves as a reminder of the historical context in which Ghanaians of various religious affiliations have coexisted peacefully. It emphasizes the need for the electorate to engage in religious tolerance and to reject any seductive narratives that aim to fuel division. NERG echoed this sentiment, encouraging citizens to honor the peace achieved through years of coexistence and to work together to enhance this climate of understanding and acceptance.
Ultimately, the overarching message from the NPC and NERG is a call to action for all Ghanaians, including political leaders, civil society, and the general populace, to prioritize peace and stability as the nation navigates through the critical electoral period. By fostering a culture of respect, tolerance, and understanding, it is possible to avert the potential for electoral violence, thereby ensuring that the democratic process remains intact and that the peaceful atmosphere that characterizes Ghanaian society is maintained during this crucial time.
